Public invited to comment on vision for higher education and research

Comments on the draft vision for higher education and research can be submitted on the public consultation website until 15 April. Both organisations and private individuals can take part.

The Ministry launched the consultation round on 26 March in a webinar where Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie outlined the main elements of vision drafting.

“Education and culture will guide Finland through global disruption. Relying on research and high‑level expertise contributes to a strong democracy and a prosperous Finland that will succeed internationally. Education belongs to everyone, and we are creating fresh opportunities for young people in particular to continue their studies. We are investing steadily in research that sparks new ideas. This helps us tackle the challenges of our time and lay the foundations for sustainable growth and a good life for future generations,” says Minister Talvitie.

The vision brings together an overview of the current state of higher education and research, shared goals for 2040 and recommended measures for reaching those goals. The Ministry will finalise the vision after the consultation round in June 2026.

Work on the vision has been under way for a year and involved a broad, participatory process. A steering group chaired by the Minister of Science and Culture has led the work, with representatives from higher education institutions, student organisations and key stakeholder groups. A parliamentary monitoring group chaired by Maaret Castrén has supported the process.

During the preparation phase, the Ministry organised three online brainstorming sessions that drew 3,503 participants. It also held several discussion events, and ministry officials took part in more than a hundred events organised by stakeholders.

• Request for comments: Education and culture guide Finland’s future – A vision for higher education and research for 2040 (in Finnish and Swedish)
• Read more about the vision for higher education and research 2040 on the Ministry's website

Inquiries: Sirkku Linna, Director General, tel. +358 295 330 515