New cooperation agreement between the City of Helsinki and Aalto University to strengthen a sustainable, vibrant and knowledgeable city

The partnership between the City of Helsinki and Aalto University is built on long-running cooperation and aims to strengthen the vitality of Helsinki residents, local students and the entire Helsinki Metropolitan Area.

'Aalto University is building a sustainable future by educating future changemakers through research-based knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking. Our cooperation with Helsinki provides a unique platform for solutions that have a tangible impact on the daily lives of Helsinki residents and the vitality of the region,' comments President Ilkka Niemelä from Aalto University. 
 
'Helsinki needs more know-how, vitality and growth. Our new partnership agreement with Aalto University supports our objective of being an internationally competitive and sustainably developing city where new ideas and talent can grow and thrive,' says Mayor Daniel Sazonov.

The new partnership agreement, made for the period of 2026–2030, is a continuation of a previous five-year agreement. Over the previous agreement period, the City of Helsinki and Aalto University worked together extensively to develop operations such as business incubator services and scientific cooperation in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, held leadership training courses for City staff, and promoted the university’s offerings to the young people of Helsinki.

Towards a sustainably developing and attractive city through the main themes of the cooperation 

The cooperation between the City of Helsinki and Aalto University will deepen, particularly in terms of the three main themes that form the basis of the agreement and support the long-term goals of both parties. 

The theme of vitality, innovation and entrepreneurship covers transversal competence and research-based entrepreneurial cooperation, the commercialisation of innovations and the development of growth business activities, and strengthening the creative industries and design. 

The theme of research collaboration is embodied in the combination of multidisciplinary knowledge and sustainable urban development, with the City serving as a research platform and subject, and in the use of research data in decision-making.

The theme of knowledgeable labour is about improving international attractiveness, the employment of international students and the accessibility of higher education. The competence needs of the future labour force and developing the City’s staff are also part of this theme.

The partnership highlights design and architectural know-how in Helsinki

Design and architecture are becoming increasingly important differentiating factors for the City of Helsinki in international competition. Aalto University is one of the top universities in the world in the field of art and design. 

The City of Helsinki and Aalto University share a goal of building their international reputation and recognition as a city and university that are innovating design and architecture. This goal will become a reality in the coming years as the City of Helsinki and Aalto University work closely together in the planning of the city’s celebratory year of architecture and design. The celebration will be held in 2030 as the new Museum of Architecture and Design opens in Eteläranta, Helsinki.

'Aalto University has robust design and architectural expertise, making the opportunity to collaborate with them in the planning and implementation of the celebratory year of architecture and design very exciting,' Sazonov points out.