Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the School of Business
At Aalto University School of Business we aspire to have a diverse and inclusive student pool and faculty.
Advancing EDI competences across Europe
Aalto University’s Center for Knowledge and Innovation Research (CKIR) has been part of a European project, EDIFY-EDU, supporting the development of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) competences in Finland and across Europe. The project created new learning materials, organized courses, and supported students’ internships both in Finland and abroad.
EDI themes have become increasingly important in higher education and in working life. Through this project, CKIR worked together with European partners to strengthen EDI competences on multiple levels:
- Learning contents and courses: The project developed EDI-related learning modules that were integrated into both international and national courses. Participants gained practical tools, knowledge and approaches that can be applied in their own organizations and everyday practices.
- Student internships: the project enabled students to complete internships both domestically and internationally, giving them opportunities to apply EDI competences in practice and bring inclusivity into working life. Read Juho Karkinen's story.
- Raising awareness and supporting competences: The trainings and materials helped participants to build confidence in discussing EDI topics and to integrate these perspectives into strategic leadership, teaching and organizational development.
Feedback highlighted that the courses and internships provided new insights as well as concrete tools, benefitting participants both personally and in their organizational contexts.
‘It has been inspiring to see how EDI perspectives can be turned into practical actions through teaching and collaboration. The project has not only developed tools and competences, but also shared commitment to building more inclusive higher education and working life,’ says Heini Ikävalko, Research Manager at CKIR at Aalto University.
‘Being part of this project has strengthened CKIR’s role as a developer of EDI competences. We are committed to continuing this work in research, teaching and collaboration with working life.’
To the project website:
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