Jamk and Proxion will start cooperation with the aim of promoting the development of expertise in information technology and electrical automation technology as well as research, development and innovation activities. Proxion, which opened an office in Jyväskylä last year, has just moved to the vicinity of Jamk's Institute of Information Technology, where the institute's cyber security research, development and training centre JYVSECTEC is also located. The partnership is expected to create a good framework for continuous and mutual learning.
"Cooperation with Jamk is an interesting opening for us, as we are constantly looking for ways to find new experts and business opportunities, especially in the field of information and cybersecurity. As our critical infrastructure becomes more digital, the importance of information security will increase, and many of the services we provide will need even more information security experts in the future," says Antti Haapalahti, CEO of business company Proxion Pro Oy.
In addition to railway infrastructure, Proxion provides services for other critical infrastructure sectors, such as risk management, safety and preparedness services, assessment and commissioning services for technical systems, and safety analyses. There is expected to be an increasing demand for expertise in the field in the future as the national critical infrastructure CER and cyber security NIS2 directives under preparation enter into force.
"The legislation under preparation on protecting society's critical infrastructure and improving resilience highlights the need for cyber security services and their experts," says Senior Advisor Jaakko Ritola from Proxion.
Partnership is also a resource for students
For Jamk's students, partnerships with working life organisations mean increased opportunities to familiarise themselves with different areas of expertise, for example through theses and internships. The partnership between Jamk and Proxion strengthens the prerequisites for familiarising oneself with critical infrastructure and the expertise needed in the field. As one of Finland's leading expert organisations in railway infrastructure planning, Proxion also offers students a unique opportunity to familiarise themselves with the cyber security of rail technology.
"Even on an international level, Jamk has very strong expertise in cyber security. During their studies, students accumulate strong competence, which is further strengthened by authentic thesis, practical training and employment opportunities. Direct contact with working life is therefore important for us and our students,' says Tero Kokkonen, Director of Jamk's IT Institute.
The partnership will also provide up-to-date information on business needs, which can be applied in the future in the development of education. At the same time, doors to other kinds of cooperation also open.
"The partnership agreement enables extensive cooperation in education, research, development and innovation (RDI) and competence development. By strengthening cooperation with the business sector, we are able to strengthen the competence of our personnel and extensive RDI cooperation, and at the same time support the employment of students graduating in the field. At the same time, we can ensure that the competence of the graduating students corresponds as well as possible to the needs of working life," says Tero Kokkonen.
