Oulu University of Applied Sciences mainly carries out its research and development work and regional development work in various projects. The target of these projects is to strengthen the university's contacts to working life, improve the industrial and commercial competitiveness of the region, develop services related to leisure activities and welfare as well as to improve the quality of teaching in the Oulu University of Applied Sciences. In 2005, Oulu University of Applied Sciences participated in seventy eight projects. Out of these, eleven were international projects. Currently, the university is participating in nine international projects.