Evaluation area II assesses the procedures used to manage and improve societal engagement, strengthen the impact of HEI’s research, development, and innovation as well as artistic activities, and support an innovative organisational culture.
Based on the audit team’s evaluation, evaluation area II is at the level good.
The audit team identified the following strengths and recommendations:
Strengths
- UVA’s diverse and vibrant cooperation with the industry in the Ostrobothnia region is based on ecosystem thinking and the regional heritage. The university benefits from the strong industry and work communities in the area.
- External stakeholders are involved in UVA’s activities at many levels, from board membership, advisory board, and joint research steering groups to planning and implementation. UVA’s research work is deeply connected to the industry and society.
- UVA combines private and public research activities.
Recommendations
- UVA should strengthen the systematic use of quantitative and qualitative metrics to monitor and enhance its societal engagement and impact in the short and long-term.
- UVA would benefit from greater involvement of small and medium-size enterprises, which would broaden its societal engagement and impact.
- Sustainable development activities should be integrated into UVA’s quality management system to drive sustainable operation and outcomes. Indicators for societal engagement and impact should be more integrated with other quality management system indicators and with the UVA Strategy 2030.