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This week Aalto University hosted the OECD ‘What works’ Conference. The theme of the event was entrepreneurship and higher education. Over the course of two days of seminars, lectures, and workshops, experts in the field shared their experiences and ideas about best practice in an inspirational atmosphere.

Aalto University's multidisciplinary innovation activities were presented from several different perspectives. President Tuula Teeri welcomed guests to the Aalto campus and the theme was introduced by Vice President Tuija Pulkkinen. The conference attendees heard about the university's Design and Health Factories, the IDBM programme, multidisciplinary research platforms, the EIT ICT Labs, and much more. Erika Noponen delivered a presentation on student entrepreneurship activities.

The comprehensive approach to advancing entrepreneurship and innovations taken by Aalto University made an impact on the event participants. In fact, the vast array and results of the Aalto students' activities impressed everyone.

‘It was an exceptionally intense and vibrant event. We got to hear all about success stories and challenges experienced in all parts of the world. It was fabulous to see just how interested in and impressed by the conference attendees were with the operational model used by Aalto University. In all of the debates and discussions held over the two days, the experts all agreed on the importance of cooperation between those carrying out innovation activities and entrepreneurs. Clearly, multidisciplinary research and teaching provides the basis for new businesses in the form of startups and enterprise renewal,’ says Associate Vice President Seppo Laukkanen, who was in charge of the event.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an economic organisation based in Paris, France. The OECD promotes economic wellbeing through development work and seeking to harmonise the economic and social policies of its member states. The ‘What works’ conference was organised as part of the OECD Higher Education Programme