RESEARCH
RESEARCH

Academic RigOR &
Practical Relevance

Our research aims to understand the complexity of entrepreneurship as a multifaceted socio-economic phenomenon. It is inherently multidisciplinary, drawing on theories and methods from psychology, sociology, economics, geography, history, and philosophy to explore a wide range of entrepreneurial topics. Much of our work is applied in nature, offering insights that are relevant to public policy and societal development.

DOCTORAL
PROGRAMME

Our unit offers a comprehensive four-year doctoral programme in entrepreneurship. We are committed to equipping doctoral researchers with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to conduct high-quality, impactful research that contributes to both academic and societal understanding of entrepreneurship. Graduates from the programme go on to shape research, policy, and practice in universities, think tanks, and innovation-driven organisations around the world.

A group of six people engaged in conversation around a table filled with various foods, including cookies and fruits, in a bright, spacious room with large windows. They are casually dressed and appear to be enjoying a social gathering.
A speaker presenting in front of an audience in a conference room. A large screen displays information about 'Startup Foundation.' Attendees, seated at long tables, are focused on the presentation.
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RESEARCH AREAS

Social and sustainable business venturing

Entrepreneurial responses to grand challenges

Microentrepreneurship in the Global South

Entrepreneurship and population ageing

Psychological processes underlying entrepreneurial actions

Regional and institutional embeddedness of entrepreneurship

Philosophy of entrepreneurship

Everyday entrepreneurship and population ageing

A group photo of approximately twenty people standing together in a sunny outdoor setting, surrounded by green trees. They are smiling and wearing name tags, with a mix of casual and formal clothing.
A group of diverse individuals in a bright classroom holding up creative collages while smiling. A presentation screen in the background features drawings and colorful designs, indicating an engaging workshop atmosphere.
A classroom setting with a speaker presenting in front of a large screen displaying information about a startup foundation. Attendees, including young adults, sit at tables, some taking notes.
A group of diverse young adults seated in a circle, engaging in a discussion. One person in the center holds a piece of paper while others attentively listen, with a mix of expressions reflecting curiosity and interest.
A group of eight people standing together on stage at a conference, smiling and holding an award in front of a colorful backdrop displaying the text 'port_ 25'. The stage is illuminated with blue and purple lights.
Five professionals seated around a conference table, smiling and looking at the camera. A presentation on a screen displays the title 'Case publishing with the Aalto Case Collection' at an ENT Insights Seminar.
Five individuals posing together outside in a sunny urban setting, near a modern art installation. They stand on a patterned pavement, wearing casual attire, with trees and a building in the background.
A group of people seated around a long white table in a modern meeting room, discussing topics related to entrepreneurship. A large screen displays the Aalto Ventures Program logo and a floral graphic. Bright sunlight illuminates the space.
SOCIAL IMPACT & OUTREACH
While some of our research is purely theoretical, much of it has direct relevance for policy and practice. We actively contribute to the policy community by advising decision-makers in Finland and internationally. Our team has completed consultancy assignments for ministries in Finland and Germany, as well as for organisations such as the European Union and the OECD.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Our research is published in leading academic journals in the fields of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and management. We are committed to producing high-quality, peer-reviewed work that contributes to academic debates while offering practical insights for policy and practice.
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