News

The preparation of a living strategy launched

Almost 330 members of the Aalto community brought up their views regarding the preparation of the new Aalto University strategy in the kick-off event held on 24 January. The event was attended by both staff and students.
Aalto Strategy kick-off Jan 2019, photo Mikko Raskinen

The preparation of the new Aalto University strategy started with a joint kickoff event for staff and students on 24 January at the Harald Herlin Learning Centre. The current strategy extends to 2020.

‘Last year, our major joint effort was the RAI2018 assessment, but a lot of other preparation work has also already been done with both staff and students. Be active and participate in the strategy work during this year – we appreciate your expertise and views,’ said President Ilkka Niemelä, who opened the event.

‘We are already very strong in many areas, and we should hold on to these strongholds. In a university, people make the results: getting and keeping a competent staff and talented students is the most important success factor.’

The former Chair of the Board of Aalto University Student Union (AYY) Noora Vänttinen, who moderated the event, told that she is happy that AYY has always been involved in the Aalto University strategy work, and the tradition continues.

In his presentation, Professor Timo Vuori referred to the concept of a living strategy.

‘Strategy is not about making a wish list, but it is about making choices. It is important that we do not choose contradicting directions and that we change only the matters that need to be changed. The strategy needs to be consistent even in the middle of change. In the implementation phase, everyone’s contribution matters.’

According to Mikko Kososen, Chair of the Aalto University Board, Aalto has laid solid foundations upon which to build the future.

‘Aalto University must be able to educate agile professionals with versatile skills and a wide knowledge base that supports continuous learning, and keep them competitive throughout their careers. The university must also start working towards a more sustainable future in a more goal-oriented way.’

‘Most of the key elements are already in place; now we need to find a path towards the future, all together. It is not possible for universities to create a strategy without the community taking part in the process. The more there is laughter and the more fun people have, the better the outcome!’

‘An excellent start for the strategy work, thank you all for that. Let’s keep up the good spirit in our strategy efforts!’

Ilkka Niemelä, President

Propose choices and take a stand on our values

There are multiple ways by which every member of the Aalto community can continue to participate in the strategy work.

A constantly updated website for Aalto University staff and students, aalto.fi/3.0, collects together all preparation materials. You can also participate in the process online: now you can take a stand on what kind of choices Aalto University should make and give your support for our present values or propose new ones. We are also in the process of preparing an interactive platform, where you can participate in the debate about the strategy themes.

Over the year, we will provide many different kinds of ways to participate in the discussion about the themes related to the strategy. The strategy process follows the annual planning cycle at Aalto, so any strategy-related questions can also be taken up in these contexts, as well as in the events and functions held in accordance with our annual clock.

All presentations of the speakers at the kick-off event are available on the materials page of the aalto.fi/3.0 website.

Welcome to continue the strategy work together!

Videos of the speakers:

Welcome to Aalto University Strategy kick-off. Ilkka Niemelä, President

Timo Vuori, Professor

Mikko Kosonen, Chair of the Aalto University Board

Ilkka Niemelä, President

Photos: Aalto University, Mikko Raskinen

  • Published:
  • Updated:

Read more news

White Aalto logo with exclamation mark standing in the middle of Otaniemi campus in the summertime
Campus, University Published:

Aalto University Foundation issues two bonds in the aggregate amount of EUR 150 million

The net proceeds from the Notes will be predominantly applied for refinancing existing loans taken out to finance real estate investments but also for general corporate purposes.
Smiling Raili Pönni standing in a meeting room in front of a grey wall and a window.
Appointments Published:

Raili Pönni appointed Development Director at Aalto University

Pönni has previously worked as the university’s interim Development Director and Head of Planning
Photo collage of some of the actions funded by the Sustainability Action Booster grant
Campus, University Published:

Aalto University funds students' sustainability actions with tens of thousands in a year – “This is something we haven't seen in anywhere else”

Aalto University’s Sustainability Action Booster is a pioneering grant designed to support student-owned sustainability actions on campus and beyond.
A portrait image of Suzanne Innes-Stubb, she smiles and gaze is towards the camera
Appointments, University Published:

Suzanne Innes-Stubb joins Aalto University School of Business as Executive in Residence

Specialised in business law, Innes-Stubb strengthens the School of Business’s expertise in responsible business. She will step into the role at the beginning of September.