# HBFU–Savonia Digital Technology School Welcomes Its First Students

> The HBFU–Savonia Digital Technology School opens in Baoding, welcoming 283 students into three joint degree programmes.

## The Launch of the Joint School
The HBFU–Savonia Digital Technology School has opened its doors in Baoding, China, welcoming its first 283 students. The Hebei Finance University (HBFU) teaching team and new facilities are ready, and the two universities’ logos are displayed side by side throughout the school’s premises.

The school brings together Hebei Finance University and Savonia University of Applied Sciences in three four-year degree programmes. The first cohort will study in an environment that combines HBFU’s local expertise with Savonia’s practice-oriented approach to higher education. Two floors of a new campus building have been reserved for the joint school, marking the transition from agreements to an active campus environment.

## Strategic Development and Implementation
The initiative’s strategic and commercial development has been led by Chenjie Hao, Head of Global Sales at Savonia University of Applied Sciences, since March 2025. His work involved aligning academic strengths with local needs to establish a commercially viable model.

Key milestones in the development included:
* **May 2025 Visit:** Senior Lecturers Kari Kokkonen and Özerk Göker visited to build trust, clarify expectations, and strengthen the application process.
* **Implementation Planning:** Hannu Poutainen, Education Export Manager at Savonia, assumed responsibility for the coordination of the implementation process.

## Opening Convocation and Academic Vision
The opening convocation was held in Shuhui Hall. Following a recorded welcome message from Savonia’s rector, Özerk Göker, Savonia’s Programme Lead and Executive Dean of the Joint School, delivered a speech emphasizing Savonia’s pedagogical approach. This approach focuses on active student participation, practical tasks, and integration with working life and company cooperation.

Following the ceremony, the HBFU–Savonia teaching team met to align the academic plan, including course content, credits, English course nomenclature, and scheduling. A subsequent cooperation meeting was held in HBFU’s Ronghui Building, hosted by Zhao Huijuan, Dean of HBFU’s School of International Education, with representatives from Savonia, HBFU, and Beijing Shijieboya International Education & Technology.

## Future Growth and Sustainability
The school has an approved annual intake of 300 students, with a planned total capacity of 1,200 students across four cohorts. Sustaining this growth in a competitive market will require:
* Continued commitment of time, resources, and expertise from both institutions.
* High-quality teaching and student support.
* Targeted recruitment efforts, including campaigns, locally relevant digital content, and school visits.

For Savonia, the school represents a significant international opportunity, demonstrating the potential of combining academic expertise with strategic partnership development.