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15.6.2026 | The Ministry of Education and Culture has published Bildung as a Way Forward for Finland – A vision for higher education and research for 2040, a scenario developed in collaboration with higher education institutions, decision-makers, and actors in higher education and research to guide Finland’s future direction. The vision, published on 15 June 2026, sets out objectives for higher education and resear...

12.5.2026 | A joint vision for higher education and research, titled Bildung as a Vision for Finland, is due to be completed in June. The vision represents Finland’s pledge for the future of higher education and research and is based on the current strengths and policies of the higher education system. The vision will be finalised during the spring under the leadership of the vision's steering group and the support of the parliamentary monitoring group.

27.3.2026 | 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.

National strategic choices for research, development and innovation policy and activities The Multiannual Plan for the Use of Government Research and Development Funding states that Finland’s future success will be built on strategic choices in re...

30.1.2026 | The virtual morning session on the vision for higher education and research held on a wintery Friday on 30 January brought together more than 300 participants to discuss the future of Finnish society and the need to restructure higher education and research.

16.3.2026 | 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.

18.12.2025 | In autumn 2025, a parliamentary monitoring group to support the process to prepare a vision for higher education and research discussed common objectives for higher education and research up to 2040. The group is chaired by Member of Parliament Maaret Castrén.

17.8.2026 | Maija Mattila, Doctor of Social Sciences, has been appointed as Senior Specialist in the Team Finland Knowledge network for higher education and research at the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C., starting on 1 October 2026. Mattila's term will run until the end of July 2029.

22.9.2025 | The Ministry of Education and Culture’s proportion of the 2026 budget proposal is EUR 8.9 billion, which is some EUR 4.4 million more than in the 2025 Budget. Despite continued pressure on general government finances, the proposal maintains investment in education, research and competence.

8.5.2026 | The EU ministers responsible for education, youth, culture and sport will meet in Brussels on 11–12 May. Education ministers are expected to adopt a general approach on the next Erasmus+ programme and outline the role of artificial intelligence in education. Other items on the agenda include the EU Youth Dialogue, the new AgoraEU programme, and mental health in sport.

1.9.2026 | On 1 September 2026, the Government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo reached a decision on its budget proposal for 2027 and is steadily implementing the agenda it agreed at the spending limits session. The agenda includes EUR 100 million of investment in construction and numerous transport infrastructure projects. The Government’s targeted measures will support economic growth.

4.2.2026 | The Research and Innovation Council has kicked off the implementation of the national strategic choices for research, development and innovation (RDI) policy and activities by inviting key actors to take part in a joint discussion. The stakeholder event on Wednesday 4 February brought together business leaders, researchers, representatives of higher education institutions and research institutes ...

14.3.2025 | Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie has launched a new vision for higher education and research. It will extend to 2040. In the first phase for the new vision, we will collect views from higher education and research organisations and other stakeholders so that a shared situation picture can be formed. The stakeholder survey is open until 4 April.

11.3.2025 | The working group on responsible international cooperation set up by the Ministry of Education and Culture has published recommendations that emphasise openness, reciprocity and risk management in international cooperation in higher education and research. The recommendations aim to safeguard academic freedom while also ensuring that international cooperation upholds democracy and ethical choices.

25.11.2025 | The EU ministers responsible for education, youth, culture and sport will meet in Brussels on 27–28 November. The Council’s agenda includes vocational education and training, the European Education Area, the Erasmus+ programme, the importance of culture for democratic resilience, the AgoraEU programme, and democracy and transparency in sport. The Oulu European Capital of Culture 2026 project will also be presented at the meeting.

9.1.2026 | The Research and Innovation Council has outlined five national strategic choices for research, development and innovation (RDI) policy and activities with a view to boosting sustainable growth and promoting economic and societal renewal while strengthening comprehensive security. The Research and Innovation Council published a report on the strategic choices on 9 January.

19.10.2023 | The Government has appointed Sirkku Linna as Director General at the Ministry of Education and Culture for a fixed-term public-service relationship between 1 December 2023 and 30 November 2028. She will head the Department for Higher Education and Science Policy at the Ministry.

22.2.2022 | Birgitta Vuorinen joined the Finnish Embassy in London in early January as a senior specialist in higher education and science policy. She relocated to London from the Ministry of Education and Culture, where she worked as Director of the Division for Higher Education Policy. The UK thus became the ninth area of expertise for the Team Finland Knowledge network. Vuorinen’s task is to follow higher educat...

9.5.2025 | The topics on the agenda include the joint European degree label and the role of education in preventing inequality. The Council will also discuss the impact of disinformation, manipulation and cyber threats on young people and delve into the future strategic priorities for the cultural sector in the EU. Council conclusions are expected on the promotion of sport and physical activity in the educational context.

14.8.2026 | The Ministry of Defence has awarded a government grant of EUR 4.8 million to the programme for northern Finland for a project to develop 5G/6G network technology that supports homeland defence. A consortium led by the University of Oulu will be responsible for implementing the project.