News

Imagining alternative futures with creativity

Creativity is a buzzword – but what does it mean?
Professors Maarit Mäkelä and Jussi Leveinen at the Aalto ceramics workshop developing a clay-based alternative to concrete. Photo: Hayley Le
Professors Maarit Mäkelä and Jussi Leveinen are developing a clay-based alternative to concrete within their Radical Ceramics group. Here they are looking at their prototypes at the Aalto ceramics workshop. Photo: Hayley Le

Creativity is a difficult term to describe, yet it’s a highly valued skill of today. The unprecedented speed of change necessitates us to learn new things fast and collaborate to get the benefit of combining different expertise in new ways. 

Creative people are often able to view things from different perspectives, find hidden opportunities and generate original ideas that have value. The ability to dream big and express unique insights can lead to important discoveries, which besides creativity and imagination also need a dose of good luck and a comprehensive network. 

On a team level, creativity requires good dynamics, experimentation, open dialogue and a great deal of trust. Innovative teams learn from failure, faster than others. 

However, creativity is not only about innovation – it’s strongly related to experiences, self-expression and self-fulfilment. Imagination makes us humans different from other species, and expressions of the human imagination spread important social and cultural values. 

The good news is that anyone can become more creative. It’s a skill that requires sustained practice, openness, and perseverance because experimenting with new things constantly pushes us out of our comfort zone. 

Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it? Radical creativity is a cross-cutting theme in Aalto’s  strategy, competence and culture that we want to increase and scale-up, both on a personal and organisational level. 

Read on to learn what Aalto scholars have to say about creativity. 

Aalto-yliopisto, Otaniemi stories: Jaan Praks, apulaisprofessori, radiotieteen ja -tekniikan laitos / Kuvaaja: Sinikoski

Radical creativity – it’s a gamble

The first Finnish satellite was a creative and very risky project.

News
Julia Lohmann and Department of Seaweed. Photo: Mikko Raskinen

From not knowing to new knowledge via imagining

Julia Lohmann considers design a bridge-building discipline that enables collaboration and communication across disciplines.

News
Associate professor Elisa Mekler. Photo: Matti Ahlgren

Contributing to a better future with creativity

Radical creativity is my elixir, it motivates and revitalises my interest in research and the world at large, says assistant professor Elisa Mekler.

News
man standing in a storage in front of the window, wearing a white laboratory coat, smiling

Mixing people

Mixing people with different backgrounds is a nutrient for creativity, says professor Tapani Vuorinen.

News
Provost Kristiina Mäkelä. Photo: Jaakko Kahilaniemi

Radical creativity empowers new thinking

Aalto aims to take an internationally leading position concerning radical creativity and its leadership.

News
Aalto innovations present at Flow Festival, photo by Samuli Pentti

Radical creativity sparks discoveries

An idea that may sound crazy at first can be the key to solving significant challenges. Aalto University provides a favourable environment for daring initiatives that can lead to the discovery of some genuinely novel solutions.

Give for the future

Unfolded

Aalto University UNFOLDED magazine focuses on contemporary issues dealing with creativity, experimentation, and transdisciplinary co-creation.

Read more
Unfolded_logo

Radical creativity

We enable experimental activities that challenge the status quo. 

Read more
Radical creativity illustration: Anna Muchenikova
  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Text 'Doc+ initiative' with colourful explosion on black background. Slogan: Your skills. Your path. Your impact.
Research & Art, Studies Published:

Enhancing doctoral researchers’ work-life skills – Join the DOC+ events

Doctoral student or postdoc, have you been pondering about building a meaningful doctoral career? Or about the future of AI in research and working life? These events and learning opportunities are for you!
A worker operates a tablet while a robotic arm welds metal, emitting sparks in an industrial setting.
Research & Art Published:

Specialised AI models could be Finland's next global export

Specialised, resource-efficient AI models could be the next competitive edge of our country, and a way to stand out among the use of large language models.
Two people presenting data on Nordic markets. One holds a microphone, the other gestures towards a screen.
Cooperation, Press releases, University Published:

Aalto University to host the INNOVA Europe Summit 2026 in Espoo

Aalto University to host the INNOVA Europe Summit 2026 in Espoo, bringing together Europe’s next generation of student entrepreneurs.
#65 in the world in business & economics THE World University Rankings 2026 by Subject on a yellow background.
Research & Art Published:

Business & economics and computer science ranked in top 100 globally

The Times Higher Education ranking measures universities with 18 indicators, including international research and citations