LUT University and Xamk merger proposal

A preliminary study was released by LUT University and the owner cities of Xamk—Mikkeli, Kotka, Kouvola, and Savonlinna—proposing a merger of higher education institutions in Southeast Finland. The vision aimed to integrate Xamk into the LUT group to improve competitiveness and address regional population trends. The proposal included specializing various campuses in fields such as innovation, security, energy storage, and welfare technology, with potential annual economic benefits exceeding nine million euros.

However, the LUT University Board later decided to halt preparations for the proposed cooperation models, which included Xamk becoming an ownership part of LUT University. The board cited changes in the operating environment, the scale of required investments, and associated risks as primary drivers for the decision. It was noted that the growth potential of new campuses in Xamk’s owner cities appeared limited relative to the investment size. LUT University intends to focus its resources on its growth strategy in Lappeenranta and Lahti, though current cooperation with Xamk will continue as normal.