Navigation auf uzh.ch
Navigation auf uzh.ch
🌟 An Unforgettable Week of Innovation: EMBA UZH in Helsinki! 🌟
Last week, the EMBA UZH cohort embarked on an extraordinary journey to Helsinki, Finland—the Nordic epicenter of innovation, sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and happiness! (Finland was again crowned the happiest country in the world for the seventh consecutive year in 2024). Despite having a population smaller than New York City, Finland has produced an impressive array of multinational companies, and we had the privilege of visiting several of them. This transformative Learning Expedition was brimming with inspiration, insights, and unforgettable experiences—all in the company of some truly happy and visionary people.
🎓 Day 1: A Bold Start
We kicked off at Hanken School of Economics with the Sustainable Innovation Workshop led by the brilliant Orren Shalit. Tackling climate-neutral strategies, we uncovered how innovation can drive real-world impact—and it's anything but "business as usual!" The day was capped off by a VIP tour at Finland`s world-renowned Wärtsilä, a global leader in innovative technologies and solutions for the marine and energy markets. The day was rounded up with a warm welcome and reception in the Swiss Embassy.
💡 Day 2: Tech and Transformation
AI and Digital Transformation for Executives with Rihards Garancs was an eye-opening session on how technology is revolutionizing industries. The key takeaways? Game-changing strategies to shape the future of business! Following the lecture, we visited VTT to dive into the fascinating world of quantum computing. We explored which industries are poised for quantum disruption—ranging from finance and pharma to energy—and discussed strategies to harness quantum technology for specific business sectors.
🚀 Day 3 Immersing in Innovation We had the privilege of attending a compelling session with Dr. Kjell A. Nordström on the topic of World in Momentum. His insights on navigating rapid change, leveraging tacit knowledge, and crafting powerful narratives were both eye-opening and empowering. @Anton Angerer, Digital Portfolio Manager at #Hitachi, and member of the EMBA Class of 2025 shared his thoughts on Dr. Nordström’s session:
“Dr. Kjell A. Nordström delivered a remarkable lecture, distilling the complexities of our evolving world through the lens of supply and demand. His insights on AI and generative AI as General Purpose Technologies (GPTs) were impactful, especially in illustrating how these innovations are disrupting the established interplay between Technology, Institutions, and Values. As a driver of digital innovation in the energy sector, I found this perspective invaluable. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for leading change in a sector where innovation and adaptation are of crucial importance. Dr. Nordström’s clarity and vision make him a perfect fit for executive education. It was a privilege to learn from him!”
🌍 Day 4: Slush Magic
At Slush, Europe’s premier startup event, we were wowed by thought-provoking sessions, including fireside chats with legends like Ilkka Paananen (Supercell) and Javier Olivan (Meta). The energy, the ideas, the opportunities—it was pure magic!
📖 Day 5: Wrapping Up with Vision & ✨ Beyond the Classroom
The week concluded with a deep dive into Service Revolution: X-as-a-Service by Pekka Helle—and concluded with many students taking the opportunity to visit Helsinki`s futuristic Amos Rex Museum and the serene Löyly sauna. This study trip this wasn’t just about learning—it was about experiencing!
Tara Hesse, COO & General Counsel at #responsibility Investments AG: “Among the particular highlights for me were the lecture from Orren Shalit on sustainable innovation and learning that innovation has nothing to do with a genie in a bottle but rather with focus and a structured process. The visit to the fantastic Slush conference, a self-declared human-generated event, uniting an incredible number of innovative start-ups under its roof and offering the opportunity to learn from successful founders how to scale big and still preserve your culture.”
This journey was more than a trip—it was a transformation. Thank you to Hanken School of Economics and all our hosts for welcoming the EMBA UZH into this vibrant, innovative ecosystem infused with Nordic Values.
