On March 28, 2025, at the Budapest University of Economics and Business, for the first time in the history of the university, Prof. Dr. Mikko Kosonen, former Vice President responsible for strategy at the Nokia Group, former President of the Finnish Innovation Fund (Sitra), and former Chair of the Aalto University Foundation in Helsinki, received honorary doctoral and professorial (doctor et professor honoris causa) titles. The recognition was presented by Prof. Dr. Balázs Heidrich, Head of the BUEB Doctoral School of Entrepreneurship and Business, during the graduation ceremony held at the University's Zugló Campus.
Throughout his career, Prof. Dr. Kosonen has always been an advocate of innovation and knowledge sharing. In 2012, he already received the title of honorary professor at the predecessor institution of BUEB, the Budapest Business School, in recognition of his commitment to the development of educational and research activities as well as the implementation of innovation cooperation projects. Prof. Dr. Kosonen not only played a role in the formation of BUEB’s innovation ecosystem but also actively supported the student entrepreneurial groups of the Team Business specialization, working based on the Finnish model, in cooperation with the economic organization of the Finnish Embassy (FinPro).
Over the past decade, Prof. Dr. Kosonen has continuously contributed to BUEB’s international recognition and good reputation. His work is exemplary, as he builds a bridge between science and industry, thereby promoting the transfer of practical knowledge to future generations. Professor Kosonen defended his PhD at the Helsinki School of Economics in 1991. He is the author of numerous internationally recognized writings on strategy. Among these particularly notable are the book Fast Strategy: How Strategic Agility Will Help You Stay Ahead of the Game, co-written with INSEAD Professor Yves Doz, and the article Embedding strategic agility: a leadership agenda for accelerating business model renewal which has more than 1000 Scopus citations.
The work of Prof. Dr. Mikko Kosonen has a significant impact not only in academic circles but also in practical life. The values and principles he represents serve as an inspiring example for everyone who wishes to contribute to the development of society through knowledge and innovation. The ceremonial event was a fitting crowning of a career dedicated to scientific excellence and a passion for innovation.
