News

A virtue of the Nordic system

Published: 1.10.2020

The free Nordic educational system guarantees that students’ study paths are guided by personal interests rather than “safe vocational choices”. This is good for creativity, says Henri Weijo.

I teach creativity for marketing students, and my own research also focuses on creativity. Thinking about what creativity is and how it can benefit both individuals and society as a whole, is a central concern for me, on a nearly daily basis.

As Aalto resides on the terrain of an egalitarian Nordic country, it already gives some unique advantages. Egalitarianism, as opposed to hierarchical organising, provides a fertile ground for creative collaboration.

I have found teaching creativity incredibly rewarding—probably more rewarding than any other topic I have taught at the business school."

Henri Weijo, Assistant Professor

As a multidisciplinary university where all the disciplines are (finally) located next to each other, there is hope for creative encounters. The free Nordic educational system also guarantees that students’ study paths are guided by personal interests rather than “safe vocational choices”. This is good for creativity.

We need to manage the flip side of Nordic egalitarianism: conformity. Radical creativity rocks the boat, and this can lead to calls for pulling back creativity by virtue of maintaining consensus.

Henri Weijo
Assistant Professor
Marketing
School of Business