Networks and dialogue – making regional and national impact visible
Two significant meetings were held at the Maritime Logistics Research Center, demonstrating the importance of opening up channels of communication and building cooperation both regionally and nationally. The visits brought representatives of the European Commission's Delegation to Finland and experts from the regional councils of Western Finland to Rauma. The common denominator for both days was genuine interest, a spirit of discussion, and enthusiasm for future opportunities.
EU Commission Representation – looking towards Europe and the Arctic regions
The first event was organized in cooperation with Winnova and brought together representatives of the EU Commission Representation in Finland, Winnova, and SAMK in Merimäki. At the opening of the event, Katri-Piia Rajala, Head of Research at SAMK's Maritime Logistics Research Center, and Juha Miikkulainen, CEO of Winnova, presented the activities of their organizations. Minna Keinänen-Toivola, Chief Researcher at SAMK's Maritime Logistics Research Center, presented the activities and key themes of the Maritime Logistics Research Center, such as the green transition, digitalization, and Arctic shipping.
One new initiative presented was the WINMOS III project, in which SAMK and Winnova are jointly developing an icebreaking training program. The project gave participants a concrete picture of how research and education can be combined to build regional and national impact.
The visit was not a one-way presentation, but a discussion forum. Representatives of the European Commission spoke about regional development needs and EU funding opportunities. The joint discussion focused on the upcoming funding period and the development of long-term projects. One important message was that smaller projects pave the way for larger ones.
The visit also had a practical aspect, as the participants were introduced to deck and engine room simulators from the perspective of Arctic shipping. In addition, representatives of the European Commission gave a presentation to the students on career opportunities in the EU institutions and shared relatable stories from their own career paths.
Regional council experts – at the heart of regional influence
Another notable visit filled the auditorium to capacity when experts from the regional councils of Western Finland arrived to visit the Maritime Logistics Research Center. The day was opened by Head of Research Katri-Piia Rajala, and Chief Researcher Minna Keinänen-Toivola presented the research center's activities from a broad perspective.
The presentations emphasized digitalization, green transition, and strengthening Arctic expertise – themes that will shape the future of the Finnish maritime cluster. The project managers highlighted several current projects, such as NEMO CEF, Sustainable Flow, MARILAB, MUSTBE, and BS eNav. Through these projects, the Maritime Logistics Research Center is developing solutions that will have an impact both regionally and internationally.
Once again, guests were able to experience the possibilities offered by simulators. Project Manager Heikki Koivisto presented the MARILAB project and simulator exercises related to Arctic shipping, which the participants were also able to try out. Researcher Mikko Vettenranta presented a new navigation program linked to the BS eNav project, which sparked lively discussion and questions.
During the day, the overall picture of the Rauma maritime cluster and RDI cooperation was also examined. Keinänen-Toivola linked the presentations to the views from the roof terrace of SAMK's Rauma campus, where the shipyard, port, and campus stood out as a concrete reminder of the unique location.
− The Maritime Logistics Research Center operates in a unique ecosystem where the port, shipyard, and maritime school are located close to each other, creating exceptional opportunities for cooperation, Keinänen-Toivola pointed out.
A common tune – discussion, enthusiasm, and building the future
Both visits showed that regional impact comes from openness, cooperation, and enthusiasm. The discussion was warm and constructive, and the events generated new ideas from the perspective of both regional development and international networks.
The Maritime Logistics Research Center acts as a strong link between regional expertise, research, and practical needs. Joint meetings with experts from the European Commission, Winnova, and regional councils are not just one-off events – they are part of ongoing work to build a sustainable, competitive, and forward-looking maritime cluster.