Innovation Europe > News > Innovation EU Vol1-1 > Helsinki University of Technology

Efficient adaptation and exploitation of scientific knowledge is one of the cornerstones of Finland’s national competitiveness. Consequently TKK’s strategy involves target-oriented research in close co-operation with innovative companies.

TKK is the second-oldest university in Finland. Throughout its history, it has pursued a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and teaching. Talented and motivated students are the most important resource in innovative research. The training TKK provides is intended not just to produce good graduate engineers and architects but also to engender genuine interest in science and technology. Enthusiasm and commitment emerge with the support and encouragement of expert, dedicated teaching staff in the university community.

Helsinki University of Technology is part of Otaniemi technology hub, twice selected by the EU as one of the most innovative regions in Europe. A unique feature of Otaniemi is the intense co-operation between companies and research organisations. Otaniemi is a scientific and innovation community of 16,000 students and 16,000 professionals from almost 100 countries, world-class research of TKK and research institutions as well as over 600 high-tech companies from start-ups to multinational corporations with their extensive international networks. For companies focusing on research and product development, the leading technology hub in the Nordic countries offers almost limitless potential for creative, productive scientific work and the development of new ideas.

TKK actively participates in Strategic Centres for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTIs). CSTIs established in Finland are aimed at achieving world-class expertise and internationally important innovations and discoveries through a new form of Finnish Industry–Academia co-operation. CSTIs allow companies, universities and research institutes to carry out strategic basic research based on the joint research strategy and long-term funding in order to develop innovations for the future. The CSTIs are designed to serve as frameworks for collaboration in six areas of importance for Finnish industry and society: energy and the environment, metal products and mechanical engineering, the forest cluster, health and well being, built environment, and information and communication industry and services.

Aalto – an internationally unique concept

TKK is set to join forces with two other top Finnish universities, Helsinki School of Economics (HSE) and University of Art and Design Helsinki (TaiK), to form the new Aalto University starting 1.1.2010. The combination of the disciplines of these three universities is a unique concept and opens up new possibilities for strong multidisciplinary education and research. The new university´s ambitious goal is to be one of the leading institutions in the world in terms of research, education and innovations in its own specialised disciplines. Networking and co-operation guarantee active dialogue on both the national and international markets. TKK, HSE and TaiK are already co-operating with the world’s leading universities and networks. Aalto University was recently mentioned in Harvard Business Review article “Tapping the World´s Innovation Hot Spots” by John Kao: “One of the best examples of Finland´s largescale, holistic approach to innovation is Aalto University, which is scheduled to open its doors in the autumn of 2009. Named for the legendary Finnish architect and designer but referred to locally as Innovation University, the new institution will be the result of the merger of three established universities: Helsinki School of Economics, University of Art and Design Helsinki, and University of Technology. Established with close to $1 billion in new funds, Aalto will develop curricula and stimulate research to explore novel, commercially significant ideas.”

Otaniemi International Innovation Centre (OIIC) is TKK’s globally branched dynamic service unit providing expert and assistance services. Innovation services are offered to clients in a way that maximise the competitiveness of TKK and Aalto University, its campus and the vast metropolis surrounding Helsinki. OIIC helps with applications for research funding, contractual obligations and intellectual property rights issues. OIIC also supports the entry of graduates into working life, keeps in touch with TKK alumni, and generally functions as a link between the university, the business world and society as a whole. In case you are interested in co-operation with TKK and Aalto University please contact: www.tkk.fi/en/about_tkk/contact/