The Innovation University (IU) -to be called the Aalto University after Alvav Aalto, a famous Finnish architect and MIT professor -is a new university which will be created through a merger of three existing universities: the Helsinki University of Technology (TKK), the Helsinki School of Economics (HSE) and the University of Art and Design Helsinki (TAIK). The commitment to this reform can be summed with one figure: start-up funding is 700 MEUR coming from the government and industry. The objectives set for the IU require long-term development of operations in a way that makes societal interaction and in particular, effectiveness serving working life an integral part of all the operations. This cannot be achieved without education and development services essential to working life competencies, meeting also shortterm competency challenges and representing international top level. Themes, research topics and ways of working crossing boundaries will be nurtured within the focus areas of the new university. These facilitate comprehension of how knowledge and skills acquired through various disciplines are to be integrated into the teaching and learning practices. The IU is the developer of new learning environments and a determined promoter of lifelong learning. The new university will position itself within the core of global competition, as an active interaction node and meeting forum for the international academic community and the most noteworthy networks formed by global companies. In selected key areas, the new university will volunteer to act and take a role as the network orchestrator.
This paper discusses the importance of professional development and lifelong learning. The author analyses the role of and makes proposals for action for all professional organizations – be they intellectual clubs, learned societies, trade unions or something in between. Lifelong learning is becoming so important that no professional organization can ignore it as an issue crucial for its members. The views expressed are based on the author's 15 years of experience in professional organizations in Finland and in the international activities of those organizations.
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