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Aalto University has been identified as one of world's 55 technology challenger universities in an analysis by Times Higher Education. Based on their extensive ranking data, THE has compiled a global group of universities that could lead the way on industry links.

According to THE, these innovative challenger universities sit just behind the elite 'old stars' who have thought outside the box on research collaboration and funding. Their resources are lower than those of elite universities, and they have adapted to the erosion of public funding by looking for innovative sources of income.

Aalto University students of the Product Development Project Course presented their ideas to companies and the public in May 2016. For 20 years this course has brought students of engineering, design, and business together to tackle industry problems. Photo: Mikko Raskinen.

Challengers have also driven forward innovative areas of research associated with the digital and technological revolution. These universities, according to THE, 'often have innovation at the core of their strategy, strong industry links and research that excels in technological areas like engineering'.

'We have systematically built a university that excels in innovation and partnerships with industry and society. I'm very pleased that Aalto is selected among rising universities in this global comparison. This is a great recognition to the whole Aalto community's enthusiastic and hard work', says Aalto University Provost Ilkka Niemelä.

Among 55 tech challengers, seven universities from the Nordic countries were featured, with Aalto University as the only one from Finland.

(timeshighereducation.com)