The world doesn't stand still, and neither should leadership education. As digital transformation reshapes industries, business models, and the very nature of work, the leaders navigating this shift need more than traditional management skills. They need the ability to think across disciplines, act across borders, and lead with both strategic clarity and technological understanding.

This is the vision behind a new partnership between Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development (Aalto EE), 28DIGITAL (formerly EIT Digital), and Seton Hall University in the United States. Together, the three organizations have developed the Master of Business Excellence, a program built for professionals who want to lead meaningfully in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Why This Partnership, Why Now

28DIGITAL, Europe's largest open innovation ecosystem, recognized that while its Master School network excelled in deep tech and engineering, there was a growing demand for a program that speaks to the business side of digital transformation, one that equips leaders not just to understand technology, but to make better decisions because of it.

When 28DIGITAL launched an open call for university partners to co-design the program, Aalto EE saw an opportunity that aligned closely with its own mission: to build learning experiences that create real impact for individuals, organizations, and society. Seton Hall University, the first U.S. university to join the 28DIGITAL network, brings an important international dimension and a strong tradition in ethics-centered business education.

“The program's international structure means participants will be exposed to different ways of thinking, working, and solving problems in a way that no single institution, no matter how strong, can offer on its own. We are very happy to start this collaboration with 28DIGITAL and Seton Hall," says Kerttu Kuokkanen, Director of MBA Programs at Aalto EE.

What Makes This Program Different

What sets the Master of Business Excellence apart is the ecosystem behind it.

Participants won't just study in a classroom, they'll be connected to 28DIGITAL's network of over 350 partners spanning corporates, startups, research institutions, and universities across Europe and Silicon Valley.

In practice, the two-year program is built around mobility and depth. Participants begin their first year at Aalto EE in Finland, completing 60 study credits to build a strong foundation in business strategy, digital transformation, and leadership, rooted in Aalto University's innovation-driven learning environment. In the second year, they move to Seton Hall University, completing another 60 credits as they deepen their specialization and gain hands-on exposure to one of the world's most dynamic business landscapes.

Throughout both years, the Innovation & Entrepreneurship themes run alongside the core curriculum, ensuring that participants don't just learn to manage organizations, but also to think and act entrepreneurially.

Who Is the Program For?

This program is designed for professionals and aspiring leaders who sense that the rules of business are changing and want to be equipped to change with them. It's for people who are curious about how technology reshapes strategy, who value international perspectives, and who want a qualification that is grounded in both academic rigor and practical relevance.

Detailed information on the program is available at masterschool.eitdigital.eu.

Further Information

Andreea Anghelin
Senior Program Manager
Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development
Phone +358 10 837 3825
andreea.anghelin@aaltoee.fi