Statement highlights the importance of increasing investment in education, research and innovations
A statement drawn up by the organisations points out that investment in education, research and innovations must be made strategic focus areas for the next government. The stability, predictability and sufficiency of the core funding for higher education institutions must be improved in the future.
According to the statement, improving the level of education and developing models and funding for life-long education are central factors also from the perspective of fostering employment and economic growth.
“A highly educated workforce, products with high added value and attractive competence clusters draw more international experts, investments and businesses to Finland. The work-related immigration of skilled experts must be further streamlined.”
The statement is urging the next government to implement a long-term research, development and innovation policy and work to increase related investment to 4% of the gross domestic product by 2030. Public spending in R&D and higher education must be significantly increased. In addition, the next government should remove overlaps and focus on larger entities in competitive funding. Education and research should be identified as central themes during Finland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The statement has been drawn up by the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK and its member association Finnish Education Employers, the Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland Akava and its member associations listed in the statement, Universities Finland UNIFI, the Rector’s Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Science Arene, the National Union of University Students in Finland SYL and University of Applied Sciences Students in Finland Samok, as well as all Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences.
