Our first workshop event included four talks, an introduction of participants, and a discussion. It was agreed that the Jyväskylä area needs a community for educational companies, among some already have international activities, while some are considering or planning those. Our next concrete steps for establishing the community are starting an instant messaging group for rapid information sharing and starting weekly video meetings on Fridays. One of the highlights of the discussion was Niko Lindholm’s introduction to Helsinki Education Hub -an international ecosystem to accelerate the growth of Finnish educational companies.
Jarkko Hautala, Niilo Mäki Institute, presented the CECO project to the audience and provided an overview of the first-hand funding possibilities for international business projects, both for individual companies and their consortiums.
Sami Puttonen, Business Tampere, gave an impressive talk about the passion, knowledge and business intelligence required to succeed in international edubusiness.
Jouni Hynynen, Team Finland, gave a fascinating and thought-provoking talk. About the importance of branding your product engagingly. He also proped us to ask what we are actually exporting? It might be much more than a mere product – such as our cultural heritage.
Tommi Kärkkäinen, University of Jyväskylä, presented the Faculty of Information Technology – a potent applicant for many of Business Finland’s funding instruments that may enable participation of a group of edtech companies with similar R&D challenges.
Our next workshop day is May 30th! Stay tuned!