Statement by the Finnish Union of University Professors on the vision for higher education and research

The Finnish Union of University Professors has issued a statement to the Ministry of Education and Culture on the vision for higher education and research.

In the view of the Union, the vision should be more ambitious. The success of society depends on the international competitiveness of scientific research. Finland has fallen worryingly behind in terms of the amount and funding of research and development activities carried out in higher education institutions compared to, for example, Sweden and Denmark.

In addition to the current project-based and highly competitive research funding, we need long-term and independent research funding that can be used to conduct first-class and ambitious research. This enables early breakthrough innovations.

Universities and research institutes need more core funding so that they can increase cooperation with companies and the third sector. International research projects also require core funding, such as national matched funding.