Parliamentary RDI monitoring group discusses importance of research and innovation for defence and wellbeing services counties
In its meeting on Wednesday 20 May, the parliamentary research, development and innovation (RDI) monitoring group discussed the role of RDI in the renewal of the public sector. The monitoring group received briefings from experts from the Defence Forces, wellbeing services counties and the healthcare sector.
From the point of view of defence, RDI can support military capability, security of supply and competitiveness. This requires a long-term approach, strategic choices driven by identified strengths, and cross-administrative preparation and management. Innovation in the defence administration is based on cooperation with a wide-ranging ecosystem of national and international actors. Among other themes, the monitoring group’s discussions focused on how R&D and defence expenditure targets can support one another.
The experts from the wellbeing services counties and the healthcare sector pointed out that strengthening RDI activities is critical for the renewal of the public sector and for improving productivity and boosting economic growth. Wellbeing services counties can serve as important testing and piloting environments for the RDI work of companies in the healthcare sector. The experts emphasised the need to strengthen incentives for RDI in the wellbeing services counties, to develop R&D funding instruments and to support co-creation in the public and private sectors. Discussions also highlighted the importance of cooperation and division of roles between wellbeing services counties.
Monitoring group also discussed conclusions from its term
In addition to receiving the expert briefings, the monitoring group discussed the conclusions that can be drawn from its work, as well as possible guidelines for follow-up work during the next parliamentary term. The purpose of the guidelines would be to support a long-term outlook for RDI actors and promote a consistent approach to RDI policy across parliamentary terms. The monitoring group plans to decide on the guidelines at its first meeting in the autumn.
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 160625.