The Finnish higher education system is being developed as an entity of universities,
polytechnics and new consortia based on cooperation agreements between them. Most of the new
structures are projected to be in use by 2012. One of the foremost projects is an "innovation
university" founded on the disciplines taught and researched in the Helsinki University of
Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design Helsinki.
These universities will be combined into one large university focusing on disciplines and
research areas determined on the basis of their strategic strengths, as decided by the board of the
innovation university foundation to be established. At the initial stage, the new university will
be composed of three Schools: Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics and
University of Art and Design. The unit structure and solutions regarding the fields of education
and research will be specified on the basis of strategic choices made by the Senate of the new
university and national decisions on the structural development of higher education.
The new university has been given the name Aalto University on 29 May 2008. Aalto University's
special national mission will be to employ research and education to support the success of Finland
in the international economy. At the same time, the university will make a positive contribution to
Finnish society, its technology, economy, culture and international appeal.
The Charter of Foundation for the Aalto University was signed in June 2008.
Preparation
The preparations for the innovation university project will be led by a steering group
chaired by State Secretary Heljä Misukka. The steering group will adopt the implementation plan for
the project and monitor and further its implementation. The steering group will also give its
opinion concerning the foundation charter of the innovation university based on a proposal of the
preparation committee.
The steering group is assisted by a preparation committee, which will draw up a proposal for
the overall implementation of the innovation university project. The innovation university project
will be prepared in close cooperation with a Ministry of Education committee preparing the
amendment of the Universities Act and other committees looking into matters relating to the overall
university reform.
There are tripartite theme groups representing the three universities to plan and implement
sub-projects (guidelines for education, research, the third task and governance of the new
university). These groups report on progress made in these thematic areas to the steering group,
the Ministry of Education, the leadership of the constituent universities, and, at a later stage,
to the innovation university foundation to be established.
For more information:
Ministry of Education, Project Director Jari Jokinen
jari.jokinen@minedu.fi, tel. +358 - 9 - 1607 7231
Project directors appointed by the three universities:
Helsinki University of Technology, Professor Mauri Airila
mauri.airila@tkk.fi, tel. +358 - 9- 451 3552
Helsinki School of Economics, Vice Rector Olli Ahtola
olli.ahtola@hse.fi, tel. +358-9 - 431 39501
University of Art and Design Helsinki, University of Art and Design Helsinki Director of
Administration Pekka Saarela
pekka.saarela@uiah.fi, tel. +358 - 05 - 550 5658