Saxion School of Finance and International Business / University of Applied Sciences

Saxion School of Finance and International Business / University of Applied Sciences Location: The Netherlands Aldo van Duivenboden - Co-author of this workbook

Saxion University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the Netherlands, with close to 27,000 students Saxion offers a broad range of courses at various levels. 15% of the student population is international. Courses are related to the domains of business, health, education, social work and technology. Saxion offers a truly multi-cultural learning experience as we have students from all corners of the world: Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Egypt, Finland, Ghana, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Sudan, Taiwan, Uganda, Vietnam… the list represents an A-Z of 74 nationalities.

What’s the ission state ent or oa of your uni ersity on sustainabi ity?

As a University of Applied Science, we are intertwined with the region. Our education and research are therefore closely connected to the practical challenges of companies, institutions, and civilians. Together we work on co-creating a sustainable future in the region and beyond.

What sustainability courses and research does the university provide?

Contribution to the SDG’s has a high priority on Saxion’s agenda. We consider it our social responsibility to contribute in a positive way to the ecological, economic, and social issues of our time. Saxion has committed itself to them and this is reflected in both our education and research. Students and employees of Saxion are the key to make a huge impact on a sustainable future. In our bachelor and master courses we educate the decision makers of the future and in our part-time school we educate and train professionals who are already active in the professional field.

What courses do you anticipate may be offered to students in the future?

We are convinced that business as usual is not the way to go. We face the disturbing implications of climate change, energy transition, loss of biodiversity, pollution, and the impact this has on business and society. And we face the challenge that we do not have a textbook describing the way to deal with these complex disruptions. This means that we have to create a new way of living and working, and we need all available talent and creativity to make that happen. For Saxion as an educational institute this means that we shift from traditional knowledge transfer to the formation of multidisciplinary learning communities where students, professionals and researchers work together on practical challenges. We believe that learning together, while co-creating a desirable future, is the way we all must go. Exploring new ways instead of repeating business as usual is both a business opportunity and a way to experience a sense of purpose as an individual.

What’s your source of inspiration? book ro e ode theory etc.)?

Personally, I am inspired by the work of Otto Scharmer and his “Theory U”. Scharmer describes the process of transformation of companies and individuals. What strikes me most is that individual people can make the difference! This is a very encouraging message for both young students and professionals. If you and I have an open mind, an open heart and an open will to contribute to a healthy and sustainable world, we are able to transform ourselves, our company, and society!

re you workin with a standard e. . B Corp S G’s?

During the B Corp learning session, which were initiated by Mark de Lat from Eshuis Accountants & Advisors and Saxion, we have experienced the practical value of the B Corp framework. The framework gives a solid structure both for educational purposes and for companies who want to improve their performance on sustainable goals.

What is your advice for PrimeGlobal members?

I am convinced that educators, business advisors and finance professionals can and should take a leading role in facilitating these processes of learning and transformation together. Taking the lead in the transformation to sustainable businesses will contribute to a bright future both in terms of business opportunities and in terms of personal satisfaction and meaning.

More than 150.000 companies are working with the B Impact Assessment tool world-wide which means that more than 1 0.000 business executives and students have made the choice to “Be the change you want to see in the world”. I hope many students and professionals will follow this calling and I encourage you to help spread this message of hope and opportunity!