Ulysseus joint vision for 2030 is to have developed an excellency recognized, internationally attractive, open to the world, persons centred and entrepreneurial European University for the citizens of the future.

This journey to change the education landscape across Europe has already started. Ulysseus Entre Camp Helsinki 2022 is the first course, which brings students from all partner universities together to meet physically.

The camp is a part of Ulysseus’ Entrepreneurship and design thinking programme, which is co-ordinated by Haaga-Helia. Developing entrepreneurial mindset and skills to become proficient problems solvers in professional situations is in the very core of Ulysseus’ initiatives.

Challenge based learning

Ulysseus Entre Camp applies challenge based learning as well as the design thinking process and methods. All together 40 Master students will identify business opportunities and develop those into a set of sustainable solutions in multidisciplinary teams. The camp combines both virtual learning and physical mobility elements thus presenting a new form of The Erasmus+ programme’s European mobility called Blended Intensive programmes (BIP).

Before coming to Helsinki, the students have already participated in a virtual kick-off meeting and familiarized themselves with the themes of the camp challenge.

The camp itself consists of five intensive days in Helsinki. In addition to team work, the versatile program includes for example visits to Maria01 and Helsinki Education Hub, inspiration speeches, nature adventure in Nuuksio and an excursion to explore Porvoo. The camp programme is co-created and implemented together with Ulysseus partners.

Developing solutions for the well-functioning everyday life

The challenge is presented by Ulysseus’ associated partner Helsinki – Uusimaa Regional Council. In addition to being the only metropolitan region in Finland, Helsinki – Uusimaa is also one of the fastest growing areas in Europe and the driving force for economic growth in Finland. The region produces 39 percent of Finland’s gross domestic product. It offers one third of all workplaces in Finland and almost 100 000 companies are located in the area.

Urban development is crucial for Helsinki-Uusimaa region, whilst the region wants to be a front runner in climate neutrality and circular economy. New circular business models are searched for and new ideas are welcome. This is also a focus for the year of the Entrepreneurial region 2022 award (Helsinki-Uusimaa European Entrepreneurial Region – Helsinkismart). 

The Helsinki-Uusimaa Region aims to be carbon neutral by 2030, while also safeguarding well-functioning everyday life and the well-being of citizens. Based on these aims, the challenge presented to our Ulysseus students consists of three topics. 

• Climate friendly mobility services
• Sharing economy in the urban areas
• Sustainable life-style

Ulysseus Entre Camp Helsinki 2022 is an excellent example of a modern university learning approach which combines students and teachers from different countries together with entrepreneurs, companies and regional development organisations to solve real life problems.

Picture: www.shutterstock.com