What challenges did Kajaani University of Applied Sciences face before AI implementation?

Widespread need for digital transformation in the Finnish workforce. Skills shortage in AI, low-code, and digital automation. Lack of accessible, practical technology training for non-developers. Employers need new means to motivate and retain talent amidst competition for tech skills.

What was the impact of the AI solution?

32,000 people upskilled in Power Platform and digital automation. Bridged gap for employers seeking digital skills in hiring. Supported economic growth and tech competitiveness in Finland. Enabled large-scale digital and AI-driven workplace innovation.

Source

MicrosoftEvidence: Low40/100

Finnish Micro Degree Program Elevates Workforce Digital Transformation Skills

Updated Jun 13, 2026

A collaboration among Finnish higher education institutions, Microsoft, Forward Forever, Sulava, and Arrow ECS Finland has created a university-level, free micro degree in Microsoft Power Platform. Designed for wide accessibility, this program enables professionals, students, and career changers to gain AI-enhanced low-code automation skills and support digital transformation across the Finnish workforce. The curriculum offers 8 ECTS credits and is available in English, inviting participants without coding experience to create apps and business process automations using Power Platform's AI capabilities. The initiative is part of Microsoft's Skills for Jobs program, aiming to retrain and upskill 100,000 technology experts over five years, and already has 32,000 graduates in various job markets. The program strengthens workplace innovation, adoption of digital tools, and continuous learning, directly addressing the national shortage of tech experts, increasing employability, and enhancing economic competitiveness for Finland. Partners provide expert training, career-building opportunities, and support for creating new AI-powered workplace solutions.

Organization: Kajaani University of Applied Sciences
Industry: Education
Location: Finland
Published: November 2023

Reported outcomes

Strategic outcomes

New product / capabilityCreated a free university micro degreeNew product / capabilityEnabled non-developers to build AI automationsScale & capacityUpskilled a large workforce at scaleInnovation & cultureStrengthened workplace innovation and continuous learning

Why do we believe this deployment?Customer identity, provider attribution, maturity, and source checks

Customer: Kajaani University of Applied Sciences
Provider: Microsoft
Maturity: Unknown
Linked source: news.microsoft.com

No explicit deployment-stage evidence found.

Customer identity supportedSource describes one deploymentMaturity evidence evaluated

Primary read

Use case focus

Showing 3 of 3

1Workforce Upskilling with Power Platform Micro Degree
2Low-Code Automation Skills Training
3Scalable AI-Driven Digital Transformation Education

Widespread need for digital transformation in the Finnish workforce.
Skills shortage in AI, low-code, and digital automation.
Lack of accessible, practical technology training for non-developers.
Employers need new means to motivate and retain talent amidst competition for tech skills.

Developed a nationally accessible micro degree in Microsoft Power Platform.
Engaged university and industry partners for robust, future-oriented curriculum.
Designed hands-on projects enabling non-technical staff to build AI-powered apps and automations.
Provided credits and certification for career advancement.

Technologies

Microsoft Power Platform