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The City of Espoo and Aalto University have signed a strategic partnership agreement covering a new five-year period. The agreement aims to promote common goals in which the city and the university can support each other and leverage their strengths.

The collaboration focuses on five main areas: the development of Otaniemi, attracting talent, business and innovation collaboration, promoting learning, and joint advocacy and impact development through research.

Espoo and Aalto aim to develop Otaniemi into the most attractive, diverse, and international innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Europe. Currently, Otaniemi and the Aalto University campus form an internationally significant environment that attracts professionals, students, and entrepreneurs. The area's appeal is enhanced by modern campus architecture, green parks, proximity to nature, and continuously developing services aimed also at city residents.

Aalto and Espoo are investing in developing services for international professionals and their families to attract and retain talent in Finland. This includes supporting the employment of spouses and ensuring excellent childcare and educational services. Additionally, the collaboration seeks to support the integration and employment of foreign students and researchers who graduate in Finland.

Early next year, a new open-for-all event series will begin at Aalto University campus. The aim is to make the campus even more attractive to all Espoo residents and offer interesting opportunities for both adults and children.

“Our collaboration with the City of Espoo has been continuously evolving. Both Espoo and Aalto University aim to create new sustainable solutions, establish a framework for impactful economic activities and investments, and develop a vibrant campus,” says Ilkka Niemelä, President of Aalto University.

“The purpose of the strategic partnership is to help both parties achieve their goals. The collaboration has strong commitment from the leadership of both organizations. Together, we want to create Otaniemi as the most attractive, diverse, and international innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Europe,” says Jukka Mäkelä, Mayor of Espoo.

The first partnership agreement between Espoo and Aalto was signed in 2012. It was renewed for the periods 2017–2020 and 2020–2025. The newly signed agreement continues the previous agreements and aims to further deepen the collaboration.

For more information:

Niko Ferm, Director, Policy planning, City of Espoo, p. +358 40 552 1271

Johanna Pajakoski, Communications Director, City of Espoo, p. +358 50 395 2162 

Sanna-Katri Rautava, Senior Specialist, Aalto University, p. +358 50 560 9135