Public defence in Organization & Management, DI Oona Hilkamo

Title of thesis: Constructing the quantum future: Future-oriented organizing in an emerging field and market

Doctoral student: Oona Hilkamo

Opponent: Associate Professor Grace Augustine, University of Bath

Custos (Chairperson): Professor Nina Granqvist, Aalto University School of Business

This dissertation examines the emergence and development of quantum computing as a deep technology field, focusing on its social and symbolic dimensions as well as the organizational practices that shape the industry’s future.

Quantum computing is a new form of information processing that harnesses the principles of quantum physics. Quantum computers can solve certain problems much faster than classical computers. Although the technology is not yet part of everyday life, its development is expected to have significant impacts on areas such as materials research, cybersecurity, and finance.

The study aims to understand how future-oriented organizational processes are mobilized in the emergence of quantum computing. It analyzes the formation of the field through linguistic, temporal, and material perspectives, showing how actors shape this technological domain through more than just innovation. The dissertation contributes new insights into field emergence and the role of future-oriented organizing in contexts characterized by extreme uncertainty.

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/

Contact information:
oona.hilkamo@aalto.fi

+358 407752820 

Doctoral theses in the School of Business: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/50