Creating the Conditions for Innovation: Lessons from Aalto Design Factory

Aalto Design Factory has operated since 2008 as a university “sandbox” for interdisciplinary learning, co-creation and experimentation, connecting education, research and industry in ways that can be difficult to achieve through conventional university structures. In this conversation, Tua Björklund will share what Aalto has learned about creating the conditions for collaboration: from physical space and facilitation to community-building, experimentation and institutional support. We will also explore how successful initiatives can influence the wider university without simply becoming another isolated innovation programme.

This Fireside Chat will focus on:

1. How universities can create boundary-spanning environments that connect disciplines, students, researchers and external partners.
2. What roles space, facilitation, community and culture play in enabling collaboration beyond formal organisational structures.
3. How experimental initiatives can become a source of institutional learning and change, rather than remaining isolated pockets of innovation.
4. What other institutions can take from the Design Factory model, and what needs to be adapted to local context rather than copied.

Tua Björklund is Director of Aalto Design Factory and Associate Professor at Aalto University’s School of Engineering. Her work focuses on understanding, teaching and developing innovation and co-creation practices, combining engineering design with organisational psychology across areas including design thinking, product development, innovation management and new venture creation. She has been involved in the development of Aalto Design Factory since its inception and became its Director in September 2024.

A UIIN Fireside Chat is a 30-minute interview session between a UIIN facilitator and an external industry expert on a high-level topic. Participants will leave with insights and inspiration after hearing the experiences and perspectives of the guest speaker, and have the opportunity to ask questions during the session. Fireside Chats are also recorded for UIIN podcasts and are available after the session.