Encouraging cross-border academic collaboration at the Oulu Business School
Two weeks ago, Oulu Business School welcomed several esteemed scholars from renowned institutions around the world. Their visit provided an excellent opportunity for our community to engage with leading experts and explore new ideas.
Professor Judy Zolkiewski from Alliance Manchester Business School, UK, captivated attendees with her research on the darker side of business networks and relationships. She emphasized the importance of resilience and proactive strategies in overcoming business challenges, offering valuable insights for both students and faculty.
Professor Michael Roos from Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, introduced the concept of complexity economics, highlighting the interconnectedness and dynamic interactions within economic systems. His approach provided fresh perspectives on adaptability and resilience in economic policy, sparking lively discussions among participants.
Professor Michalis Drouvelis from the University of Birmingham, UK, shared his expertise in behavioural economics, focusing on the impact of income inequality on collective resilience in public good games. His experimental research offered crucial insights into pro-social behaviour in challenging economic conditions, enriching our understanding of economic dynamics.
Having scholars from diverse institutions and disciplines encouraged fruitful discussions and brought a variety of perspectives on the same topics. This diversity enriched our understanding and inspired innovative ideas. Our doctoral researchers and faculty members engaged in vibrant discussions and interactive sessions, making this week a truly enriching experience.
Expanding horizons with visiting students from the Netherlands
In addition to hosting these esteemed scholars, Oulu Business School also welcomes 40 students from Erasmus University Rotterdam for a four-day study visit from March 31 to April 3, 2025. This visit is possible through the European University UNIC collaboration.
"UNIC's mission is, to a great extent, not only to serve as a pilot platform but also to open up new collaboration opportunities. The student visit is a great example of such cooperation. Our goal is to deepen collaboration with the Rotterdam School of Management," says UNIC Program Manager of the University of Oulu Henna Määttä.
The visiting students are part of the Rotterdam School of Management’s Honours programme, which focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, business growth, and industrial clusters. In previous years, these students have visited Silicon Valley, but this year, their destination is Europe's Silicon Valley — Oulu.
"We at the Oulu Business School are eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to host this special group of students and their professors. International collaboration is of utmost importance to us, as it opens up entirely new perspectives for educational and research cooperation, as well as for student networking. Rotterdam School of Management is one of the most prestigious business schools in Europe, and we are truly delighted about this opportunity," says Satu Nätti, the Education Dean at the Oulu Business School.
The visit's programme focuses on regional resilience, industrial transitions, innovation, and business growth. It will begin with a lecture by Professor Jaakko Simonen on Oulu’s story, followed by Professor Petri Ahokangas, who will discuss the opportunities of 6G technology. Additionally, Minna Komu from Business Oulu will give a lecture on Oulu’s business incubator activities. During the week, students will also visit Nokia’s factory and Bittium.
As an international research-based business school, hosting international research and student group visits is vital. These visits enable our researchers and students to learn from leading experts, fostering a culture of academic excellence and encouraging international collaboration. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from such esteemed scholars and look forward to future collaborations.