Finland’s academics push for settled R&D policies

Lack of strategic funding could damage country’s innovative image, say Helsinki university and students body

Finland needs a more stable, long-term research and innovation policy if the country is to remain prosperous, according to the country’s most prestigious university and its students. 

The University of Helsinki issued a statement on 25 November, outlining a nine-point plan to improve Finnish research policy. The university said there was an urgent need for predictable, statutory R&D funding to ensure public financing levels never fall below a certain threshold.