Parliamentary RDI monitoring group discusses additional R&D funding with higher education institutions and research institutes

In its meeting on Wednesday 11 March, the parliamentary research, development and innovation (RDI) monitoring group discussed the use of additional central government funding for research and development (R&D). Representatives of the Council of Rectors of Finnish Universities UNIFI, the Rectors’ Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences Arene and the Consortium of State Research Institutions Tulanet attended the meeting to share their views. The consultation followed consultations held with representatives of the Research Council of Finland, Business Finland and business operators at the monitoring group’s previous meetings.

The representatives of higher education institutions and research institutes emphasised the importance of predictable and long-term R&D funding. They were of the view that it is important to take a variety of measures to respond to the need for RDI experts and suggested different ways of strengthening RDI cooperation with businesses. They also drew attention to the fact that increased national co-financing will provide better opportunities to utilise EU funding. The national RDI choices were seen to support efforts to strengthen existing capabilities, while also providing sufficient flexibility in adapting to new phenomena.  

In its discussion, the monitoring group emphasised the need to increase competence-based growth and RDI activities across the business sector and highlighted the importance of support from higher education institutions and research organisations in this respect. The level of education in Finland and the functioning of the entire education chain are essential as RDI activity grows. Attention was also drawn to the importance of strengthening competence clusters formed by higher education institutions, research institutes and businesses.  

Next step: monitoring group will draw conclusions  

In addition to consulting higher education institutions and research institutes, the monitoring group received an overview of the implementation of the national strategic choices for RDI policy and activities. The group also discussed the main findings of the first follow-up report on the use of central government R&D funding. In its next meetings, the monitoring group will draw conclusions on the basis of the follow-up report, the consultations and the general picture of the situation. The aim is to support a long-term approach to RDI policy, extending across parliamentary terms.   

The task of the parliamentary RDI monitoring group is to monitor the achievement of national RDI targets and to monitor and support the implementation of the multiannual plan for the use of central government R&D funding. As part of its work, the monitoring group also assesses the implementation of policies put forth by earlier parliamentary RDI working groups. The monitoring group has members from all parliamentary groups formed on the basis of parliamentary elections, along with permanent experts from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. 

Inquiries: Henrik Vuornos, Member of Parliament, Chair of the parliamentary RDI monitoring group, tel. +358 9 432 3159 and Johanna Moisio, Secretary-General of the Research and Innovation Council, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 295 160 625