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The keynote speakers were Idar Kreutzer, CEO of Finance Norway and former member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development; Mikko Kosonen, President of Sitra and Chairman of the Aalto University Board; Katariina Helaniemi, from venture fund Fifty Years and Minna Halme, Professor of Sustainability Management at the School of Business.

All keynote speakers agreed that the businesses have a big role in solving the grand challenges of the future. Idar Kreutzer pointed out that even though business is a part of the problem, it is also a part of the solution. Following the same thought, Katariina Helaniemi stressed that solving the world’s biggest problems is a great business opportunity. Mikko Kosonen and Minna Halme both highlighted that in order to create change, the goal has to change too. The businesses that can thrive in the future have to have a more significant societal purpose as well.

The host of the event, Dean Ingmar Björkman shared examples on how the School of Business tackles  sustainability challenges through research and teaching.. The academics alsotake an active part in societal debates and policy-making. Our students contribute to solving sustainability challenges through cases in courses and different kinds of projects. The participants had a chance to hear about five different student projects from the Creative Sustainability Master’s Program, the Digitalism Challenge hackathon, the Information Technology Program, the Product Development Project course and the Customized Student Business Project concept.

The Dean’s Circle is an invitational event for the School’s important stakeholders and donors. The event offers a unique meeting opportunity for the university and central opinion leaders from society and it is organized every second year in turns with the alumni Homecoming Day event.

Information about the event from the External Relations unit: