What is Applied Research?
At HAMK, we conduct applied research that combines high-quality research with the practical needs of business life. Our strengths lie in our future-oriented approach and close collaboration with industry. Read more about what applied research is and how your company can get involved.
Applied research solves real-world challenges faced by businesses and organisations. Research and development activities are carried out in collaboration with companies and other stakeholders and are built on both high-quality research and practical business needs. Together, we research, develop and innovate concrete solutions that create competitive advantage for our partners. At HAMK, collaboration with industry is therefore strongly integrated into all our research, development and innovation (RDI) activities.
Our work is practical and driven by the needs of business life. We develop solutions for primary production, the circular economy, sustainable construction and the built environment, as well as future skills and education. Our research is organised into eight focus areas that structure HAMK’s multidisciplinary research and innovation activities.
What Does Applied Research Mean in Practice?
The aim of applied research, development and innovation activities is to create practical solutions for the needs of society and industry while supporting regional development. Research often begins with a challenge, development need or business opportunity identified by a company or organisation, and solutions are then developed together.
Our collaboration ranges from large international projects to student projects. Multidisciplinary teams and extensive partner networks enable us to support a wide variety of development needs. Throughout a research project, we actively listen to our partners and provide opportunities for them to influence the direction of the work. Companies and organisations can also commission analysis and testing services from us. Collaboration may include pilot projects in real operating environments or student projects in which students work on challenges provided by companies.
We conduct applied research with organisations that can put the results and solutions into practice. In addition to businesses, our partners include public sector organisations, non-governmental organisations, research institutes and educational organisations.
Applied research may include, for example:
- Testing and implementing new technologies
- Developing production or service processes
- Creating solutions for skills and competence development
- Promoting sustainability and responsibility
- Developing new products, services or business models
- Researching user experience and customer insights
- Developing digital learning environments or virtual solutions (e.g. XR and VR applications)
Practical Examples of Applied Research and Collaboration with Industry
What does applied research carried out in collaboration with companies look like? Here are a few examples from HAMK’s RDI activities and industry partnerships.
One example of the solutions we have developed with companies is ShelfVisionXR, an extended reality (XR) application that helps store employees quickly locate slow-selling products and products nearing their expiry dates, as well as identify gaps on shelves. The application was developed to meet the needs of the industry partner and was piloted at K-Market Visamäki in Hämeenlinna.
We have developed and tested wearable technology, such as exoskeletons, which are external support structures designed to reduce physical strain. For example, entrepreneurs in agriculture and horticulture have reported that exoskeletons make physically demanding tasks easier, and some businesses have incorporated them into their daily work. The ExoAgri project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and operates in the regions of Kanta-Häme, Kymenlaakso, Päijät-Häme and Southwest Finland.
In the HuskRefine project, funded by Business Finland, researchers are creating the foundation for a biorefinery concept that converts underutilized oat husk biomass into high-value food ingredients. Together with six SMEs, we are developing a zero-waste, resource-efficient value chain based on circular economy principles, covering everything from raw materials to finished product concepts. The concept strengthens domestic food security and the circular economy while reinforcing Finland’s position as a pioneer in oat-based innovations.
Our RELA project, funded by Business Finland, addresses the transformation needs of the metal industry by reducing environmental impact and strengthening security of supply. The research focuses on three key areas: additive manufacturing technologies, AI-assisted alloy design and real-time process automation. The project consortium consists of 16 companies and four research organisations, with a particular focus on supporting SMEs in the metal industry.
Come and Do Research with Us
HAMK is a trusted, flexible, and agile partner for multidisciplinary research and development projects. We work closely with companies and other organizations to develop new solutions, innovations, and business opportunities.
Each year, HAMK is involved in around 150 projects, many of which are carried out in collaboration with companies.
Our applied research makes a world better place
We combine high-quality research with the real needs of business life. Together, we research, develop, and build practical solutions that give your organization a competitive edge. Come and do research with us!
