ºÚÁÏÍø

News

The OECD and Aalto University discuss enterprise

Innovations peak the interest of international experts

This week Aalto University hosted the OECD ‘What works’ Conference. The theme of the event was entrepreneurship and higher education. Over the course of two days of seminars, lectures, and workshops, experts in the field shared their experiences and ideas about best practice in an inspirational atmosphere.

Aalto University's multidisciplinary innovation activities were presented from several different perspectives. President Tuula Teeri welcomed guests to the Aalto campus and the theme was introduced by Vice President Tuija Pulkkinen. The conference attendees heard about the university's Design and Health Factories, the IDBM programme, multidisciplinary research platforms, the EIT ICT Labs, and much more. Erika Noponen delivered a presentation on student entrepreneurship activities.

The comprehensive approach to advancing entrepreneurship and innovations taken by Aalto University made an impact on the event participants. In fact, the vast array and results of the Aalto students' activities impressed everyone.

‘It was an exceptionally intense and vibrant event. We got to hear all about success stories and challenges experienced in all parts of the world. It was fabulous to see just how interested in and impressed by the conference attendees were with the operational model used by Aalto University. In all of the debates and discussions held over the two days, the experts all agreed on the importance of cooperation between those carrying out innovation activities and entrepreneurs. Clearly, multidisciplinary research and teaching provides the basis for new businesses in the form of startups and enterprise renewal,’ says Associate Vice President Seppo Laukkanen, who was in charge of the event.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an economic organisation based in Paris, France. The OECD promotes economic wellbeing through development work and seeking to harmonise the economic and social policies of its member states. The ‘What works’ conference was organised as part of the OECD Higher Education Programme

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Large, diverse audience in a lecture hall applauding, seated in curved rows with laptops and notebooks
Cooperation Published:

The World Planning Schools Congress 2026 brought together more than 1500 participants in Espoo and Helsinki

The sixth World Planning Schools Conference took place in July 2026 hosted jointly by Aalto University, University of Helsinki, and Tampere University.
Colourful general image promoting Aalto Creatives pre-incubator programme
Campus, Cooperation, Press releases Published:

Applications open: Aalto Creatives pre-incubator autumn 2026

The next Aalto Creatives pre-incubator starts in September. Applications close on 7 September. Join the info event on 27 August to hear from alumni and meet the Aalto Creatives team.
Outdoor wooden daybeds with sheer beige curtains in a ruined courtyard garden with tall plants.
Cooperation, Press releases, Research & Art Published:

A Finnish working group’s artwork brings a cooling garden to Spain, which is sweltering in the heat

Through their garden art installation, a group of Finnish architects and artists proposes vegetation and a sense of community, among other things, as solutions to urban heat islands and the environmental crisis.
Paula Nybergh. Black-and-white portrait of a smiling woman with short hair, glasses and a light jacket over a dark top.
Cooperation Published:

Paula Nybergh ºÚÁÏÍøs to innovation activities of Aalto's Bioinnovation Center

Our alumna, Paula Nybergh, with a Licentiate of Science (Technology) and an honorary Doctor of Science (Technology), has made a significant donation to support the innovation activities of the Bioinnovation Center.