News

A virtue of the Nordic system

The free Nordic educational system guarantees that students’ study paths are guided by personal interests rather than “safe vocational choices”. This is good for creativity, says Henri Weijo.
Henri Weijo Aalto
Henri Weijo

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.

I have found teaching creativity incredibly rewarding—probably more rewarding than any other topic I have taught at the business school."

Henri Weijo, Assistant Professor

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.

Read more
Unfolded_logo

Radical creativity

We enable experimental activities that challenge the status quo. 

Read more
Radical creativity illustration: Anna Muchenikova
  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

A close-up of numerous small, rectangular particles with rounded edges, appearing grey on a dark background.
Research & Art Published:

Catalysis in a new light: Microscale interactions could enhance clean energy technologies

A new study provides a more detailed view of how catalysts function during chemical reactions. The discovery could help develop more efficient materials for applications such as green hydrogen production and a more sustainable chemical industry.
A conference hall filled with attendees sitting at tables, watching a presentation on a large screen.
Campus, Research & Art Published:

Physics Days 2026 gathered Finnish physicists to Aalto

The 2026 edition of the annual conference featured talks on moiré matter, women in physics and paper cuts.
A speaker addresses a large audience in a dark auditorium. A large screen behind shows a vibrant image with the text 'Welcome'.
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

Annual review looked back on the past year

The annual review of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture provided a comprehensive overview of the past year. Members of the community were also awarded in the event.
A person wearing a dark jacket stands outside a multi-storey building with many windows.
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

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.