One way that SSE implements FREE into our learning and work environment is through our initiatives – Art, Tech and Sport – and the Literary Agenda. The initiatives are co-created by the SSE community and are embedded into the daily experience through our art walks and classrooms, inspirational seminars, physical activities and discussions.
FREE: The SSE educational mission
At the Stockholm School of Economics, we see education as an emancipatory activity. It is about opening doors—to knowledge, to opportunities, and to new ways of thinking. You open the door to higher education, and by the time you graduate, many more doors will have opened. That is our measure of a meaningful education.
Our philosophy—and our promise to students—is inspired by the philosopher Ingemar Hedenius, who argued that those best prepared for the future are “free and alive in a world of uncertainty.” Education should create freedom and enable individuals to think independently. This is the foundation of SSE. We call it FREE.
What FREE stands for
Fact- and science-based
A strong foundation in facts and scientific thinking is essential. In a world shaped by information flows, algorithms, and competing narratives, the ability to think critically and evaluate evidence is crucial. Knowledge provides the basis for sound judgment, innovation, and responsible decision-making.
Reflective and self-aware
At SSE, students are encouraged to reflect on their ambitions, motivations, and choices. Being reflective means questioning assumptions and understanding what influences your decisions. This awareness helps you define your own path and act with intention.
Empathic and culturally literate
Understanding others is a key part of leadership. Empathy enables you to see situations from different perspectives and engage with people across cultures and contexts. In an increasingly global and automated world, this human capability remains essential.
Entrepreneurial and responsible
SSE encourages curiosity, creativity, and the willingness to challenge established ways of thinking. With knowledge comes the ability to make an impact—and the responsibility to use that ability wisely. Being entrepreneurial means not only creating new ideas, but doing so with awareness of their broader consequences.
