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This week Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation awarded funding for collaborative project between Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Design Forum Finland and Technology Industries of Finland.

The pilot aims to build bridges between Aalto design students and technology industries and demonstrate the added value of design for competitiveness and growth. In the long term, it aims to deepen and strengthen design in the Finnish companies. At the same time collaboration enables the understanding of the skills and demands the industry requires – present and in the future.

For Petteri Kolinen, CEO of the Design Forum Finland participating the project was obvious, “For the competitiveness of Finland it is crucial that the role of design and design leadership is strengthened. Finland is one of the world most innovative country, but there is a lack of desirable brands and product portfolios. The fact remains that design-led innovations bring growth.” The published this week by the Ministry of Education and Culture also emphasizes the importance of incorporating design broadly in Finnish economy.

During the three-month pilot, from June to August, the design students work in teams with company specific assignments. Individual assignments are defined in collaboration with the participating companies, students and design professionals in order to bring added value to the business and strategy.

Further information:

Aalto University Corporate Relations, Pirita Posti, +358 50 3646381, pirita.posti@aalto.fi

Department of Design at Aalto University, Pekka Murto, +358 50 3834649, pekka.murto@aalto.fi