Collaboration with EMLYON brought students to Oulu’s innovation ecosystem

Oulu Business School has once again welcomed a group of exchange students from emlyon business school.

At the core of the programme is learning not only in the classroom but also beyond it – students gain first-hand insight into regional companies, research environments, and public sector organizations.

During the programme, students have visited Business Oulu and Business Corner, explored developments in printed intelligence at VTT’s PrintoCent environment, and toured the campus of Nokia to learn about the future of wireless technologies. They have also examined health innovations within the OuluHealth ecosystem, where research, companies, and the public sector come together.

The programme offers students a comprehensive view of how innovation is developed and applied in practice. Oulu presents itself as an environment where startups, global technology companies, research organizations, and public actors form a closely connected and functional innovation ecosystem.

The academic component supports these practical experiences. Students complete courses on topics such as innovation management, consumer behavior, and business ecosystems. In addition, the programme includes courses designed specifically for GIE students, such as design-driven innovation and the techno-economic aspects of future digital technologies, including 6G.

Experiential learning is a key element of the programme. Students took part in the internationally recognized Polar Bear Pitching event, where startups present their ideas under extraordinary conditions. In addition, the programme included a study trip to Rovaniemi, where students visited the University of Lapland and regional companies, such as Lappset Group, and, of course, met Santa Claus.

Societal themes are also strongly embedded in the programme. A visit to Oulu City Hall introduced perspectives on urban preparedness and citizen safety, while the municipality of Ii demonstrated how a municipality can become a pioneer in climate-friendly practices in Europe.

The students’ exchange period in Oulu comes to an end this week. A farewell dinner on Wednesday will bring the group together once more before the next stage of their studies. From Oulu, the students will continue their exchange programme in Vietnam, where their studies will continue until the summer.

We wish the students safe travels and continued success in their studies and hope their time in Oulu will remain a meaningful and inspiring experience!