Henry Tirri appointed to teach digitalisation at Aalto University

Henry Tirri has been appointed to the Executive in Residence position at School of Business. One of his key tasks will be to provide students with the latest information on the growth, strategies and management of high technology companies. Along with Aalto researchers, Tirri will also participate in domestic discussion of the digital transformation.

Henry Tirri has a diverse range of experience in global business, most recently serving as Nokia's Chief Technology Officer in Palo Alto, which is also home to Stanford University. Tirri has also worked as a professor or visiting professor at schools such as the University of Helsinki, UC Berkeley and Stanford University and served as an advisor to several of the world's leading technology companies in matters related to digital technologies.

Digitalisation involves a fundamental change in operating methods

Digitalisation is changing business very rapidly and radically. This is not just a trend but a fundamental change in operating methods. It requires both companies and universities to have a deep understanding of how to utilise digitalisation in basic company operations and when developing new products and services. As digitalisation is essentially dependent on information technology, many of the latest innovations come from Silicon Valley, spread globally and promote more permanent changes.

Finland has a history of emphasising the technology-driven nature of growth companies. In contrast, the Californian approach tends to be more business oriented.

‘I extend a warm welcome to Henry Tirri as he strengthens Aalto University's digital competence. He is able to combine a business orientation with an in-depth understanding of technology in an outstanding manner. Tirri's extensive contacts with Silicon Valley business life and top universities will also give our students great perspectives on the topic,' says Ingmar Björkman, Dean of Aalto University School of Business.

'Although universities have traditionally been encouraged to ask "Why?" and then develop the skills needed to find the answers, we, in the manner of Bernard Shaw, have to learn to ask "Why not?" and then develop the skills to create innovations. For me, the transition to that question crystallises the idea of how business and research activities can work together to find solutions to problems,' states Henry Tirri.

The Executive in Residence title can be used of distinguished executives, academic leaders or academic experts who have been invited to Aalto University for a fixed period of time.
 

For more information and interview requests, please contact:
Noora Pinjamaa
Aalto University, School of Business
Doctoral Candidate of Information Systems Science
noora.pinjamaa@aalto.fi
Tel. +358 50 442 1507