The aim of this research is to examine how service design can be used to promote university-industry collaboration in Finland, focusing on the Lapland region in the cities of Rovaniemi, Tornio and Kemi. This study is based on qualitative and quantitative research implemented as part of a research through design group project conducted during the Strategic Service Design course at University of Lapland and is included in this thesis as a case study. Through a survey and email interviews with industry professionals, the study investigates insights and understands current established approaches to industry involvement in product and service development working with university partners. The thesis presents a design solution and service blueprint to promote future partnerships.
As part of the research for this thesis, a survey of 40 respondents was conducted in English and Finnish. The survey revealed that industry representatives do recognize the benefits of leveraging university resources for research and fast prototyping of new ideas, concepts and innovations. Interview respondents recognized the opportunity for more closely structured partnerships to hedge issues related to intellectual property, talent management, employee training and career development, and resource allocation of budgets and investments.
The research revealed a need for more structured operational organization, leadership and management related to metrics and feedback for projects and collaborations unique to each project. Service design methodologies were the foundation used to prototype a digital solution and design the service blueprint. The practical solutions recommended in this thesis can serve as a resource for developing successful project partnerships.
Key words: university-industry collaboration, service design, service blueprint, open innovation, higher education, industry collaboration, Finland, digital service design