Co-operative University Studies in Finland: roots, present and future Ruralia Institute, Mikkeli Coordinator of the Co-op Network Studies University network www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 1
Contents Co-operative Studies in Finnish universities, historical notes Co-op Network Studies -University network 2005-2009 Main aims of Co-op Network Studies programme (2010-2014) Socio-polito-economical context of the Co-op Network Studies Programme Organisation and main tasks of Co-op Network Studies programme (2010-2014) Themes of co-operative courses, examples Recognised added values of Co-op Network Studies www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 2
Co-operative studies in finnish universities, historical notes (1) Late 1890s: lectures by Hannes and Hedvig Gebhard at the summer courses of the University of Helsinki. 1920-30 s: Teaching of co-operative studies at the People s College in Helsinki (later High School of Social Sciences and from 1960 s University of Tampere). 1957: Building of the Fund for Co-operative Studies and beginning regular teaching of co-operative studies at the University of Helsinki. 1967: Donation of funds by the Finnish co-operative societies for permanent professorship in social policy, especially co-operative studies in the Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Helsinki. www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 3
Co-operative studies in finnish universities, historical notes (2) 1978: Closing down the Fund for Co-operative Studies and donating its assets to establish permanent office of lecturer of co-operative studies to the University. 1990: Cutting down the funding of the professorship by the University of Helsinki 1991: Building of a separate Institute for Co-operative Studies to continue research, education and especially promotion of co-operative entrepreneurship as a multidisciplinary coordinator belonging to the Faculty of Political Sciences /Department of Social Policy. Turning heavily towards project funding for activities. www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 4
Co-operative studies in finnish universities, historical notes (3) 2001: Affiliating the Institute for Co-operative Studies to the University of Helsinki Rural Research and Training Centre, Mikkeli. Including Co-operative Studies as a field of research and education into the programme of so-called Eco University 2003-05: Establishing a new multidisciplinary concept for co-operative studies to be learned in internet, based on partnership with Universities of Helsinki and Kuopio Picture: Maisa Tirkkonen www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 5
Co-op Network Studies university network 2005-2014 2005-2007: Establishment and membership agreements, piloting of study modules in the web and starting regular e-learning programmes 2006-2009: Ongoing study programme funded by the government (Ministry of Education), University of Helsinki and Mikkeli University Consortium 2010-2014: Network continuing re-organised, participation of the member universities through membership fees and contract with the Finnish Co-operatives through annual fee www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 6
Members of the Coop university network UNIVERSITY OF OULU 2006- UNIVERSITY OF TURKU 2006- UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ 2006- UNIVERSITY OF TAMPERE 2007- UNIVERSITY OF EAST FINLAND (KUOPIO 2003-) 2005- UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI Ruralia Institute (Mikkeli) COORDINATOR 2003- LAPPEENRANTA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY 2006- UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI 1957- AALTO UNIVERSITY School of Economics 2005- www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 7
Main aims of Co-op Network Studies programme (2010-2014) To establish permanent presence for co-operative studies at university curricula and create open access to cooperative studies for the students. To transfer the results of co-operative studies through research, education and promotion activities from universities to co-operatives and promote the provision of research needs from co-operatives to universities. To make co-operative distinction visible, understood and recognised as an institution and distinctive model of entrepreneurship in the society at large. www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 8
Socio-polito-economical context of the CNS programme Research and education in the universities Social impact Practical experience and knowhow in the co-operative societies and enterprises Regional and local impact www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 9
Organisation of Co-op Network Studies (2010-2014) Co-ordinator and administrator: University of Helsinki Ruralia Institute (Mikkeli) Research Director Hagen Henrÿ e-learning coordinator Pekka Hytinkoski Study advisor Vesa Rouhiainen Board composed of the members nominated by the member universities and Finnish Co-operative Delegation www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 10
Tasks of Co-op Network Studies (2010-2014) Production and coordination of multidisciplinary university degree studies in co-operative studies 25 cr. (basic studies) + 25 cr. (intermediate studies) 100 % university education through elearning Dissemination of experiences and know-how Searching for international partnerships Applications to adult education and training Annual research, exchange and innovation seminars www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 11
The structure of the Coop Network Studies BASIC STUDIES 25 cr CNS-P1 Co-operative values and principles I (5 cr.) CNS-P2 Cooperative law I (5 cr.) CNS-P3 Cooperative values and principles as applied in different types of enterprise I (5 cr.) CNS-P4 Co-operative management (5 cr.) CNS-P5 Co-operatives and sustainable development (5 cr.) INTERMEDIATE STUDIES 25 cr CNS-A1 Co-operative values and principles II (5 cr.) CNS-A2 Co-operative law II (5 cr.) CNS-A3 Co-operative values and principles as applied in different types of enterprise II (5 cr.) CNS-A4 The developm. of the competitive advantages of co-operatives (5 cr.) CNS-A5 Cooperative Studies (5 cr.) www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 12
Recognised added values of Co-op Network Studies model The new model corresponds to the guidelines of the new Finnish law of universities in e.g. promoting continuing development of working life connections and looking actively for partnerships in fund raising. Co-op Network Studies courses create, in addition to study qualifications, useful information for further elaboration, e.g. comprehensive collection of co-operative case presentations. Learning Co-op Network Studies is a truly interdisciplinary exercise based on teachers, experts and students entering from different universities, faculties and disciplines. www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 13
Picture: Maisa Tirkkonen More information about Coop Network Studies: www.helsinki.fi/ruralia/education/coop www.helsinki.fi/ruralia 23.6.2014 14