# Business, networking and Northern Lights - BIP course connected international guests and local businesses - Savonia AMK

> Student groups explored ways to achieve sustainable growth and internationalisation of businesses.

## International Collaboration at Savonia UAS
In March, Savonia UAS hosted an international Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) week, welcoming students and faculty from the Netherlands and Germany. The programme focused on helping North Savo companies navigate international markets, specifically planning roadmaps for expansion into Central Europe.

The week was led by Savonia RDI expert and lecturer **Jari Niemelä**, alongside visiting professors **Marco Thomisch** (Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg) and **Rint Hestra** (NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences).

## Participating Client Companies
Three local companies participated in the programme, seeking insights for their international growth strategies:
* **Innokem**: A technochemical company specialising in cleaning and coating products and solutions.
* **PlanetAmino**: A producer of protein biscuits made from plant protein.
* **Biobros**: A provider of water and wastewater treatment solutions.

## Student Experience and Networking
The programme combined intensive project work with cultural immersion. Students **Maximlian Haas**, **Nina Ersfeld**, **Adithya Raj**, and **Nicolás Oliver** noted that the experience provided valuable insights into both Finnish culture and the practical challenges of international business.

Beyond the classroom, the students engaged in local activities, including attending a KalPa ice hockey match, experiencing a traditional sauna, and ice swimming. For Maximilian Haas, a highlight of the trip was witnessing the Northern Lights.

## Outcomes and Feedback
The week concluded with teams presenting their findings to the client companies. The feedback from the entrepreneurs highlighted the value of the collaboration:

* **Ari Kuikka (CEO, Innokem):** Noted that the students' views confirmed his own strategic thinking and provided new ideas for the company's current growth phase. He praised the commitment of both the students and the supervising teachers.
* **Simo Putkuri (Entrepreneur, PlanetAmino):** Valued the opportunity to provide students with a concrete, real-world task. He found the presentations useful for his own business reflection and expressed interest in future cooperation.

The project emphasized the importance of self-directed work, networking, and the practical application of business theory in real-world scenarios.