Successful collaboration led to comprehensive mapping of European bioeconomy networks

Need and courage behind the collaboration

Liisa Peri, Project Manager for LAB Biofine's internationalisation project, says/explains that the project needed additional resources and expertise to map European bioeconomy networks. 

"LAB's student cooperatives had already received positive feedback, so the collaboration felt natural." 

AVARA Marketing eagerly took on the task. Ilari Karjalainen from the marketing cooperative says/notes that previous successful projects with LAB encouraged them to continue the collaboration in the LAB Biofine project.

"The assignment really attracted/inspired us to challenge ourselves."

Students involved in real expert work

As part of a larger project, AVARA Marketing students conducted market research. Their responsibilities included identifying companies, gathering information, and communicating with project representatives. During the project, students gained hands-on experience in project management, customer communication, and teamwork.

The collaboration was clearly organised. Weekly meetings, email communication/correspondence, and flexible guidance ensured  the project stayed on schedule. The original/initial target of 500 companies was reduced to 300 by mutual agreement. 

It was agreed that quality would compensate for quantity.

"We were pleasantly surprised by how friendly and relaxed Biofine's contact persons were. After the first few meetings, we realised  there was no need to feel nervous or hesitate to speak up. Trust between Avara and the project team was quickly established", Karjalainen says on behalf of the student team.

Concrete benefits for both parties

AVARA Marketing gained valuable references, learned about/practical experience in customer work, and enjoyed financial benefits from the project. LAB Biofine's internationalisation project, in turn, received a comprehensive and practical assessment that supports the internationalisation of the project. 

According to Liisa Peri, the students' initiative and commitment were a welcome surprise.

"Students bring  fresh ideas and up-to-date expertise, especially in marketing, where trends and tools evolve rapidly. It is truly valuable to gain new perspectives", Peri says.

The future looks promising

Although no new projects have yet been launched between LAB and AVARA Marketing, both parties see great potential in student collaboration. 

Ilari Karjalainen from AVARA Marketing believes the collaboration encourages students to aim for even bigger projects. 

"A big thank you to the LAB Biofine team for employing students on this project. We’ve shown that students can  be trusted with  challenging/demanding tasks. At AVARA, we only have six months of studies left this autumn , but I can definitely recommend follow-up projects to our younger and newer cooperatives."

Liisa Peri sends her regards to the students on behalf of LAB Biofine: 

"The collaboration has been very/highly effective, and I strongly believe that there will be continued  demand for this kind of work in future. A warm thank you to the AVARA Marketing team – I wish you all the best for the rest of your studies and success in future careers!"