Innovation today doesn’t come from one person’s genius or isolated company research. Instead, it grows from a network of collaboration, where knowledge and ideas flow freely across institutions, and different perspectives work together to solve the world’s challenges.
Collaborative research benefits all parties
We at Peikko have long worked with universities worldwide on guest lectures, research projects and testing. This approach and experience of knowledge-sharing go beyond typical research models and show the benefits of open and dynamic partnerships.
By encouraging collaboration, we help:
- Speed up technological advances
- Give young professionals new learning experiences
- Break down barriers between industry and academia
- Build a more connected and flexible research ecosystem
Helping future talent flourish
The Erasmus exchange program is one part of our approach, connecting us with young talents from different parts of Europe. Our internship program isn’t only about us teaching and students learning. It’s a way to exchange knowledge, bringing fresh ideas and new thinking to our organization. Students contribute more than academic knowledge; they also bring creative problem-solving skills.
Jan Bujnak, Peikko’s Vice President of Product Development, points out that interns often challenge the way we think. Their fresh approach to tasks can reveal solutions that even seasoned professionals miss. Supporting these young talents takes effort—providing clear goals, ongoing guidance, and meaningful projects—but the results are worth it.
Strategic university partnerships for mutual benefits
The collaboration between Peikko and Polytech Clermont began in 2008 with two student internships in Slovakia, and is an example of the synergy between academia and industry. This partnership provides Polytech students with valuable opportunities, including internships at Peikko’s facilities in Slovakia and Finland. Students also have access to expert lectures focused on Peikko’s technical solutions and methods to reduce carbon emissions.
“Currently, Peikko sponsors a cohort of around 80 students over the three years of their engineering diploma course. Beyond internships, Peikko enriches students’ learning experience by hosting technical conferences, providing safety equipment co-branded with the Polytech and Peikko logos, and hosting site visits to operational construction projects.
This partnership not only strengthens the university’s education and research network, but also equips students with work experience in modern engineering practices. Students can do internships, finish their diploma projects, or do practical training in various Peikko sites, and thus get to know different corporate cultures and engineering methodologies.
This kind of collaboration enhances the exchange of expertise between universities and companies while preparing future graduates for professional activities with a diverse range of practices and corporate cultures. It also helps future engineers learn how to approach current societal challenges,” says Abdel Hamid Bouchair, Professor of Civil and Structural Engineering at Polytech Clermont.
The value of academic expertise
Professors are more than outside advisors—they are key partners in our research. Most partnerships come from personal contacts, and their involvement provides:
- Credibility: Independent assessments from professors add trustworthiness to our work.
- Practical insights: Professors gain exposure to real-world applications of their research.
- Mutual learning: Knowledge flows both ways, benefiting both Peikko and the universities.
Testing and proof
Another example of our partnerships with universities is our work with Stuttgart University, where Peikko’s experts participate in sharing information and solving technical problems neither one can tackle alone. Lab testing is a crucial part of this. By using university facilities and expertise, we can thoroughly test and validate new products and technologies.
According to Thomas Sippel, Director of Codes & Approvals at Peikko, “The combination of experimental with theoretical investigations, such as accompanying Finite Element simulations, is extremely helpful in understanding complex load transfer mechanisms and using them in the development of innovative and economical products for reinforced concrete construction. The latest investigations on anchor bolts under seismic and fatigue-related loads and the new development of bracket support for long-span TT-slabs are good examples of this.”
Investing in people: Peikko fosters learning and career development
Our commitment to collaboration also includes supporting our employees’ education. We encourage ongoing learning and support research towards a doctoral degree and other studies. We believe that learning never stops, and growth isn't just about business. It’s also essential to empower our employees to reach their full potential.
An excellent example of this is Jaakko Yrjölä: while working full-time as a senior manager at Peikko, he is also conducting groundbreaking research towards a PhD on shear transfer in bolted connections for precast structures through a collaborative project with Aalto University in Finland. Peikko’s flexible work arrangements and funding for tests and pilot projects are clear proof that Peikko is committed to innovation and supporting our employees.
Despite occasional setbacks, the research delivers tangible benefits. Peikko gains valuable insight into the structural performance of precast concrete systems. For Jaakko, the experience contributes to his critical thinking, expertise, and professional growth.
It’s not just about completing a project—transforming potential into meaningful progress is the even larger goal.
What sets our approach apart is our understanding that real innovation happens when different experts work together. These partnerships aren’t just one-time deals; they evolve and create long-term value. Yes, we’re creating new technologies, but we are also building a culture of learning, respect, and shared innovativeness.