The strategic integration of the international workforce : recommendations on skilled migration and place-making in Hamina
Ramm, Yasmin (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202504288052
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202504288052
Tiivistelmä
The study aims to improve the missing trust in society, as well as knowledge, and integration practices regarding skilled migration in Hamina, Finland, to enable a value increase for the local economic development and international business environment.
The objective of the study is to create strategic recommendations for future actions, including an evaluation of the current state, to improve the internationalization in Hamina by addressing the needs of skilled migrants. The goal of the study is to create trust and connection between the international and Finnish communities. The research question focusses on how Hamina Town, as a municipality, can support the integration and place-making for skilled migrants. The additional questions are investigating the definition of place-making, the current state of place-making, and feasible recommendations for improvement.
The research method used in the study is qualitative research in the form of a semi-structured interview process. Ten stakeholders in the integration environment of skilled migrants in Hamina were interviewed to share in-depth accounts on experiences of the current state and expectations. Additionally, observational study was used with the focus on body language during the interviews.
The study showed that skilled migration is a solution for continuous economic development in Hamina as the technical skills are needed for the workforce. However, challenges are the demanding relocation processes, finding social connections, the language barrier, and unwelcoming political policies.
The recommendations for Hamina Town are an increased use of English communication, regular networking events, a meeting place for skilled migrants, improved marketing efforts by the municipality, as well as local collaborations to improve the relocation experience, including the availability of online resources and language courses, as well as a dedicated project management team.
The objective of the study is to create strategic recommendations for future actions, including an evaluation of the current state, to improve the internationalization in Hamina by addressing the needs of skilled migrants. The goal of the study is to create trust and connection between the international and Finnish communities. The research question focusses on how Hamina Town, as a municipality, can support the integration and place-making for skilled migrants. The additional questions are investigating the definition of place-making, the current state of place-making, and feasible recommendations for improvement.
The research method used in the study is qualitative research in the form of a semi-structured interview process. Ten stakeholders in the integration environment of skilled migrants in Hamina were interviewed to share in-depth accounts on experiences of the current state and expectations. Additionally, observational study was used with the focus on body language during the interviews.
The study showed that skilled migration is a solution for continuous economic development in Hamina as the technical skills are needed for the workforce. However, challenges are the demanding relocation processes, finding social connections, the language barrier, and unwelcoming political policies.
The recommendations for Hamina Town are an increased use of English communication, regular networking events, a meeting place for skilled migrants, improved marketing efforts by the municipality, as well as local collaborations to improve the relocation experience, including the availability of online resources and language courses, as well as a dedicated project management team.