University Preview
In University Preview we assess together the assumptions related to our operating environment in relation to new trends.
Scenarios for 2040
During autumn 2025, Aalto University is developing scenarios for the long-term future of the higher education system and our operating environment in general. This is carried out as part of the annual strategic process called University Preview.
Objective of scenario planning
The objective of developing alternative scenarios is to identify strategic choices or shifts that are worth considering today to ensure Aalto University continues to thrive and uphold its fundamental purpose and values by 2040 and beyond. This is expected to enable Aalto University to shape and respond to future developments.
The scenario planning process involves examining changes in the operating environment of higher education institutions, envisioning alternative scenarios of the future, and analysing their implications for Aalto University. However, it is important to note that the process is not aimed at predicting the future; it mainly seeks to develop clearer imagination of alternative futures.
Aalto University's scenario planning coincides with the Ministry of Education and Culture's ongoing process aimed at updating the national vision for higher education and research extending to the year 2040.
Scenario planning as part of the annual University Preview process
In University Preview, we analyse the emerging trends and developments shaping the operating environment and our strategic choices. The Preview process supports the continuous development of our living strategy and enables us to respond to changes in our operating environment. A thorough analysis of our operating environment and our position in it was carried out in 2018-2020 when we first built our living strategy. Thereafter, University Preview was introduced as an annual process for foresight, which we utilise to make small-scale updates to our strategic plans or revisions to our strategy based on the findings.
In autumn 2025, as part of the University Preview, we focus on scenarios looking ahead to 2040, by continuing to analyse the changes and uncertainties in the national and international higher education landscape and the opportunities and risks they create for Aalto University.
Commonly employed process steps in scenario planning
The available scientific and practical literature on scenario planning were reviewed to understand the different ways in which future scenarios are created and utilised by higher education institutions and business organisations.
The following three commonly utilised process steps can be identified relevant ºÚÁÏÍø’s scenario planning for 2040.
Our working method
Our approach to the scenario planning is iterative and participatory. The ongoing scenario planning involves several steps throughout the autumn in which various members of Aalto University's community are provided opportunities to participate and influence the process.
The details of our working method is depicted in the diagram below.
You can learn more about the key uncertainties affecting Aalto University's long-term future that provide the basis for the scenarios and participate in a survey designed for gathering valuable insights from Aaltonians in the process of developing the future scenarios. (log in)
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