Aalto University’s IDBM Program among the best in the world
13.10.2009
The joint International Design Business Management (IDBM) Program of Helsinki School of Economics, the University of Art and Design Helsinki, and Helsinki University of Technology gained visibility in BusinessWeek’s special report on the present state of design education.
BusinessWeek listed 30 programs from North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia that significantly integrate design thinking and business in their curricula. The IDBM Program was among the selected programs. Students in these programs characteristically take courses in technology, business management, design, and art, as well as carry out projects in multidissciplinary teams. The programs approach design as a strategic tool in business management. Graduating students typically find jobs in design management, research, or consultation.
BusinessWeek also listed new programs that are under development as “Programs to Watch”. Aalto University’s upcoming IDBM Master’s Program was among the nine selected programs.
The IDBM Program is a joint multidisciplinary minor studies program of Helsinki School of Economics, the University of Art and Design Helsinki, and Helsinki University of Technology. The program aims to train skilled professionals for key roles in international, design-intensive business. Approximately 10–15 students nearing the end of their studies from each school are admitted to the program each year. Since the year 1995, about 140 different corporate projects or other research tasks have been carried out in IDBM together with some of the leading companies in Finland. Approximately 500 students have taken part in the program so far. In addition to project and teaching activities, design and business research is constantly conducted within the framework of the program. The IDBM Program will be extended into a full Master’s Program in Aalto University.
The IDBM Program website
Sources:
BW Special Report: Design Thinking
BW World’s Best Design Programs
BW Programs to Watch
