MEREBE (Microelectronic Research, Education and Business Ecosystem)

Description

The project aims to create a Microelectronics Ecosystem in Oulu by bringing together experts in electronic device design, manufacturing and packaging technology, and control software. This Ecosystem will leverage research and development to address the needs of companies and end users in the field of microelectronics. By collaborating with the region and industry, the project will ensure that the knowledge and expertise gained are applied effectively to strengthen the continuity and development of the Microelectronics sector

Goals

The primary objective is to establish a microelectronics and semiconductor company, along with its associated software industry ecosystem, that is renowned both locally and internationally. This company will serve as a hub for excellence, education, and research and development activities. Collaborating with educational institutions and research institutes, the companies within this ecosystem will develop and implement strategies to enhance competence, ensure continuity, and foster growth in the field.

Deliverable

Industry-specific skills need mapping together with OAMK, OSAO, and BO.  In the mapping, future competence needs are identified and predicted. With the help of mapping, the matching of education and competence needs is strengthened.

Based on the survey, information is obtained about the competence needs, after which it is started with more precise planning of the trainings so that the different parts of the microelectronics and semiconductor industry and the skill shortage in the regions can be addressed. Different for editing the contents of trainings, experts from the organizations hold joint meetings where training needs are reviewed, existing material (own and e.g., FItech’s trainings), and the progression of the training path without breaks from the second degree. Short courses can be completed as a whole and move smoothly to the next level. The courses can be completed independently, depending on the time and place independent entities. They are free for those participating in the project.

Through the project’s learning environment, new know-how is channeled to companies in the field for employees and final stage students. At the same time, a path is created for foreign students to get a job at the companies in the area. Those who are in the final stages of their studies can offer studies in a learning environment to bring competence to the level required by the company for employment or doing a thesis. (Activities include, e.g. compiled in Deliverable 2.)

utilization of the educational offer (OY, OSAO, and OAMK), shared by the business world and researchers in dialogue, e.g., in seminars and workshops, channeling experts and know-how in companies needs and involving students in the development of the field, e.g., during training periods as well as by doing projects and exercises outside of basic education, determined by companies.

The work package defines common high-level goals for the local operator network, to which companies operating as each other’s competitors can also commit. The operating model includes, along with the description of the cooperation of a wider group of actors, the measures to develop expertise and for strengthening in the Oulu region. Business Oulu coordinates those involved in the project skills development activities with educational institutions and the related information search and collecting mapping data as part of ecosystem development activities. Activities are also synchronized with national gathering activities, for example, the technology industry to the planned national focus areas of the semiconductor work group.

This improves the visibility and familiarity of the industry, conveys information about the results and trainings are marketed. Communication is carried out in cooperation with all project parties using, e.g., Business Oulu’s portal and others in the city communication channels.

MEREBE Project Partners

Project Funding

The MEREBE project is co-funded by the European Union under the Innovation and Skills Finland 2021-2027 EU’s regional and structural policy program.

Want to Find Out More?

To find out more information, you can contact one of the following from BusinessOulu:

– Jussi Leponiemi, Key Account Director, ICT – jussi.leponiemi@businessoulu.com
– Niina Heikkinen, Coordinator, ICT – niina.m.heikkinen@businessoulu.com
– Jaana Tähtinen, Coordinator, MEREBE –Jaana.Tahtinen@businessoulu.com