Countries are introducing initiatives aimed at improving access to new types of research and multidisciplinary education, drawing on knowledge from studies which have previously been considered as not directly related to innovation.

In Finland, a major merger of three different universities into one new university is currently taking place. The three universities are the Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics and Helsinki University of Art and Design. The new university combines strong research skills in technology, business and design studies and is turning innovation thinking into more human-centric thinking.

“The Aalto University is an answer to the ’big picture problems’, which defy single discipline approaches…design is one of the key assets of the new user-centric and need-driven innovation strategy and of course to the Aalto University” (Initiator of the Aalto University, Yrjö Sotamaa).

The Aalto University in Finland was created in 2008. It is named in honour of the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, who was known for his ability to combine technology, industry and design. The goal of the Aalto University is, by 2020, to become one of the leading institutions in the world in terms of combining business, technology and design. Intercultural learning platforms and design factories are set up to facilitate cooperation between students, researchers, entrepreneurs and business professionals from design, technology and business backgrounds.

A joint public-private endowment of €700 million will be made to the project, while the combined annual budget will be increased by €100 million.

Source: Sotamaa, Yrjö, University of Art and Design Helsinki, Finland