Companies in Transition

This spring as we have been building the DistanceLab online hub, we have been going through a significant amout of best practises and external services developed and provided also outside our project. Our online hub is a great platform to share what others have done while serving the same target group as us, the small and medium sized enterprises wanting to develop and grow. Here let us share one great platform with a massive free learning content.

Companies in transition is a nationwide Finnish initiative built to help companies strengthen their resilience, digital capabilities, and green transition strategies. For small and large companies alike, navigating today’s rapid shifts in technology, sustainability, and global business require more than adaptation: it calls for structured, ongoing support. That is the vision behind Companies in Transition (In Finnish: Yritysten muutoskumppanina).

Launched in late 2022 and active through 2023, the platform was developed by Centria University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with universities of applied sciences across Finland, supported by the European Social Fund. Its goal is to provide companies of all sizes with flexible, relevant, and free learning content delivered entirely online, and designed for professionals who want to learn without leaving the workplace.

Designed to be accessible

The heart of the project is its user-friendly website, which serves as a hub for tools, webinars, micro-studies, and company case stories. The platform offers short 20-minute “inspiration bulletins” for quick learning, as well as more in-depth modules that users can explore at their own pace. Whether focused on digitalization, sustainability, or resilience, all content is tailored to real-world business needs and working life.

Importantly, the platform was designed to be accessible: no lengthy application processes, no fees. Users simply create an account and start learning.

A digital resource grounded in shared knowledge

Behind the scenes, the effort was massive. Universities had different ways of defining and structuring their micro-studies, so content from across the country had to be standardized, curated, and published with a shared format. This process took time, but the result is a platform that reflects Finland’s collaborative spirit: a digital resource grounded in shared knowledge and national reach.

Another key strength is the “Company Stories and Guides” section. Here, visitors can explore real-life experiences from Finnish businesses that participated in project activities. These stories show how companies benefited from events, co-development sessions, and training provided by higher education institutions. The content is not just educational, it is also inspirational.

While originally designed as a short-term project, the platform showcases a model with strong potential for scaling and replication. With the right coordination and willingness to share expertise, other countries or regions could adopt a similar approach using existing infrastructure and open collaboration.

More information:

✉ Johanna Hautamäki: johanna.hautamaki@centria.fi

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