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In 1966, teaching began in the mechanical engineering department of the Helsinki University of Technology, setting in motion an impact that extends from Finland’s early unicorn companies to today’s successful businesses. Initially, education and research in industrial engineering and management focused on machines and the organisation of production. Since the early days, technology has become digital, but the core has remained the same: the ability to integrate technology, business, and people into a functional whole.

Production control and work psychology have evolved into the management of operations and services as well as leadership and people management. Since the 1990s, a third focus area has emerged alongside the others: technology entrepreneurship. At the same time, the department’s research has risen to an internationally top level. ‘We were the first ones to systematically teach entrepreneurship, and many of our students and alumni have founded companies. In fact, in nearly all Finnish unicorns our alumni were either co-founders or the earliest investors,’ says Jens Schmidt, Head of the Department.

Now, alongside business transformation and entrepreneurship, scaling has emerged as a new focus area – growing startups into large companies and actively managing growth. A broad-based approach is a defining feature of the department’s thinking. Emeritus Professor Esa Saarinen’s lecture series Philosophy and Systems Thinking has filled Aalto’s largest lecture hall for 20 years. ‘Today, three philosophers work in our department. It reflects a culture in which broad, integrative thinking has always been valued.’

Growth as the anniversary theme The Prodeko Guild is also celebrating its 60th anniversary. Founded in 1966 as a professional club for students, it evolved into a student association in 1989, bringing together students, alumni, and companies into a close-knit network. The anniversary year is themed around having a passion for growth and concrete actions to promote it. ‘Finland’s key challenge is the lack of economic growth. Both at the department and Prodeko we will be initiating a number of concrete activities to help Finland to growth track.’

The DIEM Prodeko Fund, established on the initiative of the programme’s alumni, supports the development of top-level expertise and technology entrepreneurship for future generations. ‘The anniversary year is a great moment to do something meaningful together. By donating to the DIEM Prodeko Fund, you help build expertise that will carry far into the future.’

Text: Marjukka Puolakka

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