A virtue of the Nordic system
I teach creativity for marketing students, and my own research also focuses on creativity. Thinking about what creativity is and how it can benefit both individuals and society as a whole, is a central concern for me, on a nearly daily basis.
As Aalto resides on the terrain of an egalitarian Nordic country, it already gives some unique advantages. Egalitarianism, as opposed to hierarchical organising, provides a fertile ground for creative collaboration.
Henri Weijo, Assistant ProfessorI have found teaching creativity incredibly rewarding—probably more rewarding than any other topic I have taught at the business school."
As a multidisciplinary university where all the disciplines are (finally) located next to each other, there is hope for creative encounters. The free Nordic educational system also guarantees that students’ study paths are guided by personal interests rather than “safe vocational choices”. This is good for creativity.
We need to manage the flip side of Nordic egalitarianism: conformity. Radical creativity rocks the boat, and this can lead to calls for pulling back creativity by virtue of maintaining consensus.
Henri Weijo
Assistant Professor
Marketing
School of Business
Unfolded
Aalto University UNFOLDED magazine focuses on contemporary issues dealing with creativity, experimentation, and transdisciplinary co-creation.
Radical creativity
We enable experimental activities that challenge the status quo.
Read more news
Alum of the Year Anna Brotkin: “We need modern stories about our era”
Screenwriter Anna Brotkin is the Alum of the Year 2026 of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture. She believes in the power of locality and the importance of hope in times of crisis.
9 experts on Finnish happiness: From cold-water swimming to trust in institutions, why does the nation stay happy?
The latest research from Aalto offers a variety of possible explanations.
What motherhood reveals about modern work
Workplace norms still demand that the realities of motherhood are hidden, but organisations must accept that careers now unfold differently, says Professor Taija Turunen.