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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!’

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:

Photos: Aalto University, Mikko Raskinen