BUILD YOUR OWN
RESOURCE LIBRARY
City of Helsinki and Aalto University strengthen partnership
The two sides are building on their existing strategic partnership with a new agreement to focus on areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation and vitality.
At a glance
Who: City of Helsinki; Aalto University.
What: The City is building on its existing strategic partnership with the university with a new agreement focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation and vitality as well as research cooperation and knowledgeable labour. The partnership will draw heavily on the research and education expertise of the university.
Why: It aims to strengthen Helsinki as a sustainable, vibrant, competitive and knowledgeable city where new ideas and talent can grow and thrive.
When: The new partnership agreement runs the period of 2026-2030.
The City of Helsinki and Aalto University have built on their strategic partnership with the signing of a new agreement.
It will involve the Finnish capital city serving as a research platform and subject, and for the use of research data in decision-making in areas like urban development. The two sides also share a goal of building their international reputation and recognition as a city and university that are innovating design and architecture.
Sustainable and knowledgeable city
The new partnership agreement, made for the period of 2026-2030, is a continuation of a previous five-year agreement. It aims to strengthen Helsinki as a sustainable, vibrant and knowledgeable city.
Over the previous agreement period, the City of Helsinki and Aalto University worked together extensively to develop operations such as business incubator services and scientific cooperation in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, held leadership training courses for City staff, and promoted the university’s offerings to the young people of Helsinki.
“Our cooperation with Helsinki provides a unique platform for solutions that have a tangible impact on the daily lives of Helsinki residents and the vitality of the region”
“Helsinki needs more know-how, vitality and growth,” said mayor Daniel Sazonov. “Our new partnership agreement with Aalto University supports our objective of being an internationally competitive and sustainably developing city where new ideas and talent can grow and thrive.”
The main themes of the cooperation are vitality, innovations and entrepreneurship, as well as research cooperation and knowledgeable labour, drawing heavily on the research and education expertise of the university:
- Vitality, innovation and entrepreneurship covers transversal competence and research-based entrepreneurial cooperation, the commercialisation of innovations and the development of growth business activities, and strengthening the creative industries and design
- Research collaboration will be embodied in the combination of multidisciplinary knowledge and sustainable urban development. The City will act as a research platform and subject, and in the use of research data in decision-making
Read More
- Knowledgeable labour is about improving international attractiveness, the employment of international students and the accessibility of higher education. The competence needs of the future labour force and developing the City’s staff are also part of this theme.
“Aalto University is building a sustainable future by educating future changemakers through research-based knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking,” said Ilkka Niemelä, president of Aalto University.
“Our cooperation with Helsinki provides a unique platform for solutions that have a tangible impact on the daily lives of Helsinki residents and the vitality of the region.”
The City of Helsinki and Aalto University also share a goal of building their international reputation and recognition as a city and university that are innovating design and architecture. The City reports that design and architecture are becoming increasingly important differentiating factors in international competition and Aalto University is one of the top universities in the world in the field of art and design.
City of Helsinki and Aalto University will work closely together in the planning of the city’s celebratory year of architecture and design. The celebration will be held in 2030 as the new Museum of Architecture and Design opens in Eteläranta, Helsinki.
“Aalto University has robust design and architectural expertise, making the opportunity to collaborate with them in the planning and implementation of the celebratory year of architecture and design very exciting,” said Sazonov.
Why not try these links to see what our SmartCitiesWorld AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)
How will the partnership enhance entrepreneurship and innovation in Helsinki?In what ways will research data influence Helsinki’s urban development decisions?How does the agreement improve international attractiveness and employment opportunities?What role will Aalto University play in the 2030 architecture and design celebration?How will the collaboration support sustainable growth and knowledgeable labor in Helsinki?Latest City Profile
Latest Summit Speakers
(22-26 June)
SmartCitiesWorld Newsletters (Daily/Weekly)
You may also like these related articles...
BECOME A MEMBER
© 2026 SmartCitiesWorld
Smart Cities World Ltd, 37 Lombard Street, London, EC3V 9BQ