Aalto University Summer School
Everything you need to know about Summer School! Make this summer unforgettable and experience the best of Aalto University and Finland under the Nordic summer sun.
Change Management for Digital Transformation
Implementing change during uncertain times is an essential competitive skill in today’s business environment. Develop expertise in stakeholder collaboration and digital platform transformation, and learn how to lead people effectively through periods of rapid change.
Teaching period:
-
Application period:
30.1.2026 – 31.5.2026
Course format:
Campus
Duration:
2 weeks
part-time
Course level:
Undergraduate
Field of study:
Business and Economics
Credits:
2 ECTS
Organiser:
Aalto University
Tuition fees:
1270€
Early Bird offer at Aalto University Summer School
In an era of continuous disruption, organisations must adapt and transform to remain competitive. This course explores the processes, strategies, and challenges of organisational change, equipping participants with frameworks to navigate transformation, engage stakeholders, and manage resistance effectively.
A particular focus of the course is on digital transformation, where incumbent firms evolve into digital platform ecosystems. You will examine how business models, strategies, and internal processes change in this context, and how to manage ecosystem relationships to foster collaboration and value creation across multiple stakeholders.
The course is designed for university students, working professionals, and anyone interested in understanding transformation and change management, both in traditional organisational settings and in the development and scaling of digital platforms and ecosystems.
20 – 31 July 2026: Lecture weeks (on-site at Aalto University campus)
- Daily lectures in the mornings between 09 and 12 (Monday-Friday)
- Group project work and workshops
| WEEK 1 | Monday 20 July | Tuesday 21 July | Wednesday 22 July | Thursday 23 July | Friday 24 July |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning (09-12) |
Introduction: Course Overview & Team project | Organisational Change: Business Model & Strategy | Organisational Change: Systems & Processes | Organisational Change: People & Culture | Guest Lecture: Post-Merger Integration |
| Afternoon (13-16) |
| WEEK 2 | Monday 27 July | Tuesday 28 July | Wednesday 29 July | Thursday 30 July | Friday 31 July |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning (09-12) |
Coaching Session for Group Presentations | Organisational Change in the Digital Era: Foundations of Digital Platforms, Their Architecture, and Business Models | Organisational Change in the Digital Era: Platform Governance, Ecosystem Orchestration | Organisational Change in the Digital Era: Global Strategy for Digital Platform Ecosystems | Group Presentations |
| Afternoon (13-16) |
Alongside the lectures, students have independent work, either in groups or individually. Students can coordinate with their teammates to complete these assignments outside of teaching hours.
The total workload of the course includes both contact lectures and the estimated amount of independent work. Some of the courses also have pre- or post-assignments included in the independent working hours.
-> Find the total course workload here
After completing the course, students will be able to:
- Apply analytical frameworks to assess and redesign strategies, structures, business models, and culture, including in digital platform and ecosystem contexts.
- Diagnose common challenges and pitfalls in transformation initiatives and design effective intervention strategies.
- Analyse stakeholder dynamics and manage relationships to implement change across organisations and ecosystems successfully.
- Develop and execute comprehensive transformation plans, from strategy to implementation, with confidence.
In this course, you will engage with new topics through lectures, group work, case studies, and peer feedback.
Active participation is encouraged and expected to enhance your learning experience.
Course workload
Preparation exercise 2h
Contact hours, intensive course participation 30h
Individual or team student work 22h
Total 54h (2 ECTS)
The course is graded as pass/fail.
Please note that the undergraduate courses offered by Aalto University Summer School can not be included in Aalto degree studies.
A basic understanding of business management and strategy is beneficial for course participation.
Participants must have completed a high school or vocational degree or equivalent by the time the course starts. However, they do not have to be a degree student at a university to participate in our courses.
Additionally, all summer school course students must be 18 years or older, as it is the legal age in Finland.
Alongside your CV, please include a motivation letter or video in your application. In your motivation letter or video, describe your motivation for taking this course. The recommended length for the motivation letter is 150-250 words, and 1-2 minutes for the video.
Tuition fees for Summer School courses
One course: 1270€ (incl. VAT 25,5%)
- The course fee includes academic course sessions and assignments, an official digital Aalto University certificate and support from the Summer School team. The fee does not cover accommodation, daily meals, or transportation during the course
- Unfortunately, Aalto University Summer School does not offer scholarships for participants.
Social program fee
More information about the social program coming soon!
Learn about the Aalto University Summer School cancellation terms. You will receive the full terms before making the payment and confirming the course participation.
If you need a visa, we recommend applying by April 15th 2026.
- This is to ensure that we have enough time to process your application and that you have time to make the tuition fee payment, book a visa appointment and wait for the application to be processed.
- You can apply and be accepted to the courses after April 15th. In that case, we recommend that you pay at your earliest convenience so that we can deliver your invitation letter to you promptly.
- According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, the processing time for a visa application is 15 days. However, the processing time may be longer if a more detailed application examination is required.
Teacher Information
Xiaoshi Kinnunen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalto University School of Business. She holds a PhD in International Business, and her research focuses on how effective management practices and processes can enhance company innovation. She also studies how digital platform firms design business models and internationalisation strategies.
Kinnunen has practical project experience collaborating with Finnish firms to support their innovation and international expansion through digital platforms.
Summer School Team
Information for Summer and Winter School Applicants
Get to know the application guidelines and tuition fees.
Summer School social programme and events
Get to know your coursemates and Finland through engaging extracurricular activities and social events organised by the Summer School team.
Travel arrangements for Summer and Winter School students
Learn about the guidelines for visa application and budgeting for your stay during the summer course.