Development aid from Turku University of Applied Sciences for companies punished by the coronavirus

Text: Siiri Welling

SMEs penalized by the coronavirus can now receive free coaching from Turku University of Applied Sciences, which aims to increase the staff's agility for change, innovation capacity and the skills required for a green economic recovery. At the same time, the Flexi: Green and lean project also increases well-being at work and productivity.

– The aim is to first organize trainings on the three project themes where companies can discuss what needs to be developed in the company. After that, workshops are set up for sparring the company. From these three themes, i.e., flex, green and lean, together we find a theme that serves the company. It will be implemented as a project, says Rauni Jaskari from Turku University of Applied Sciences.

The project can help a company, for example, reduce its carbon footprint or reduce waste. The project is led by the staff of Turku University of Applied Sciences and assisted by students. The Flexi: Green and lean project will officially start in early October and last until the end of next year. There is room for twenty SMEs.

– In the Lean section, it is possible to reduce, for example, the turnaround time of a product or process or other duplication. Flexibility coaching, on the other hand, can help a company develop agile new directions or solutions if there are sudden changes in the operating environment. The coronavirus pandemic is one example of a sudden change in the operating environment, Jaskari explains.

Increases the company's competitiveness

At its best, a business-oriented project can help a company save time and money in its own operations as well-being at work and productivity increase. Improving productivity will increase competitiveness and thus employment.

A few of the trainings will take place on Turku University of Applied Sciences’ campus, but the sustainable development training will be organized as a webinar.

If necessary, the entire staff of the company can participate. The projects will be implemented from late spring 2022 or early autumn 2022. Companies from different sectors can be accommodated.

–Micro-enterprises may also be involved. Service companies would be well suited for lean coaching, Jaskari suggests.

The project has received funding from the European Social Fund. The project is being implemented by the Global Gateway research team. Turku University of Applied Sciences coordinates the project, and participation in the project is free of charge for companies.

From one company, 2–4 people can participate in each training. The amount of de minimis aid of the company must not have been previously used.

For more information on the training, please contact Rauni Jaskari, Head of Education and Research