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17.9.2026 | In its meeting, the Research and Innovation Council examined the status of implementation and execution of national strategic choices for RDI. The meeting included expert reviews of the status of the themes of health and wellbeing and defence. The Council has also decided to establish a panel of experts to assess the impact of artificial intelligence on RDI activities.

10.3.2026 | The Research and Innovation Council has launched a stakeholder survey on the implementation of the national strategic choices for RDI policy and activities. The survey will be open until Wednesday 29 April 2026. The main target group for the survey consists of key organisations for implementing the choices and putting them to use, including public and private RDI financiers, research organisations, businesses and branches of government, regional actors and other stakeholders.

27.8.2026 | On 27 August 2026, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Hanken School of Economics published the final report of the co-research project Critical Functions of Finnish Society and Future Trends that sought to update and strengthen the understanding of which functions are critical to Finnish society. The information needs of the research were determined by the Ministry of Defence.

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 ...

20.5.2026 | The European Urban Initiative (EUI) brought together European and Finnish cities, the European Commission and national and regional authorities to discuss the changed geopolitical situation in Finland and its impact on cities and the development of innovation ecosystems. The event to support cities with capacity building was held in Oulu on 19–20 May 2026.

18.6.2025 | The Strategic Research Council (SRC) has decided the strategic research themes it proposes to the Finnish Government for 2026. Mikael Fogelholm, Chair of the SRC, submitted the proposal to State Secretary Risto Artjoki on 18 June 2025 at the Government Palace.

8.6.2026 | According to the Research and Innovation Council, increasing global competition means that Finland should make more determined efforts to stay at the forefront of research and innovation. In addition to increasing funding for research and development (R&D), Finland should continue to develop the R&D environment and support the uptake of innovations on a broad front. At the end of May, the Council ...

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.

28.5.2026 | The EU ministers responsible for competitiveness meet in Brussels on 28–29 May 2026. Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto (internal market and industrial policy) and State Secretary Kristiina Kokko (research and space) represent Finland at the meeting.

21.5.2026 | 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.

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.

6.2.2025 | The Research and Innovation Council is identifying national strategic choices for RDI policy and activities before the Government’s mid-term policy review in April. As part of the preparations, the Council will hold a consultation round from 26 February to 10 March and an open stakeholder event on 28 February 2025. In the earlier stages of the process, stakeholders emphasised the need to take a long-t...

12.2.2026 | Finland is well on the path towards achieving the nationally set target for research and development (R&D) activities, but the coming years will be highly challenging. This is the conclusion of the Monitoring and Evaluation Report on Government R&D Funding. The report also shows that global competition in innovation keeps getting stronger. In international comparison there is nothing exceptional about Finland’s R&D investments, but they are an absolute necessity to succeed in global competition.

9.10.2024 | The Research and Innovation Council will launch a two-stage inclusive and open process to identify strategic choices this autumn.

26.2.2025 | The Research and Innovation Council requests comments on the strategic choices for RDI policy and activities to be submitted between 26 February and 10 March. The preparation group of the Research and Innovation Council decided on the proposals for choices to be circulated for comments at its meeting on 25 February.

28.12.2023 | In its plenary session on Thursday 28 December, the Government decided on the main themes for strategic research in 2024. In line with the decision, the themes will be ‘Water as an element of wellbeing, security and peace’ and ‘The future of democracy’.

18.9.2025 | At its meeting on 16 September, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo lead the Research and Innovation Council in discussions on the implementation of national policies for the use of R&D funding. The Research and Innovation Council was briefed by the Research Council of Finland and Business Finland as well as two organisations that are implementing significant national R&D projects.

11.6.2024 | The Strategic Research Council (SRC) has decided on the research themes it will propose to the Government for 2025. Chair of the Strategic Research Council Anu Kaukovirta submitted the proposal to State Secretary Risto Artjoki on 11 June 2024 at the Government Palace.

6.6.2025 | In its meeting on 6 June 2025, the Research and Innovation Council chaired by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo adopted a plan for monitoring and assessing the use and effectiveness of central government research and development funding. The new monitoring and assessment plan covers both the additional funding under the Act on Research and Development Funding and state R&D funding as a whole. The assessm...

3.6.2026 | In their declaration, the European ministers responsible for forests committed to strengthening the role of sustainable forest management in safeguarding the future of Europe’s forests amid rapidly changing environmental, economic, social and geopolitical conditions. In addition, at their meeting in Stockholm on 2–3 June 2026, the ministers reaffirmed their support for the recovery and sustainable management of Ukraine’s forests and the rebuilding of its forest sector.

6.10.2026 | The Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs have published the results of the joint Russia’s Futures foresight project. A collaboration involving a wide range of experts, the project set out to strengthen Finland’s ability to anticipate possible developments in Russia and assess their implications for Finland, Europe and the international system through to 2045.

2.10.2026 | Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala will visit Munich on 5–6 October 2026. The purpose of the visit is to promote cooperation between Finland and Germany in the energy sector. Multala will also discuss topical energy issues with representatives of the state of Bavaria.

29.8.2024 | Assessments will be conducted to examine the impact of the measures under the CAP Strategic Plan and make sure that public funds are used cost-effectively. The information produced by the assessments will be needed to guide the implementation of the CAP Plan and, in particular, to support the planning of the next financing period of the Common Agricultural Policy.

1.4.2026 | The For Forest Group+ of forested EU countries has again grown stronger as Germany joined the group at the meeting held in Sweden on 31 March–1 April. The topics discussed by the ministers included the EU Deforestation and LULUCF Regulations, the Birds Directive, and the development of criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management.

10.12.2025 | The wellbeing services county reform is progressing towards the set objectives throughout Finland, but there are still many issues left to address. This is according to a broad-based interim evaluation of the wellbeing services county reform made by an independent expert group.

14.5.2024 | Finnish Defence Forces' research programme 2025 to begin Ministry of Defence Publication date 14.5.2024 9.00 Type: Press release Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Defence Forces Logistics Command to conclude contracts regarding...

23.9.2021 | In its plenary session on Thursday 23 September, the Government decided on the thematic areas and priorities for strategic research in 2022. The thematic areas are: Children and young people – flourishing future actors and Security and trust in an era of algorithms. The Government also adopted equity as the cross-cutting priority of both themes for 2022.

11.2.2026 | The demand for skilled labour in the maritime industry is growing. Competence requirements in the sector, especially for highly skilled tasks, are changing. This is the conclusion of a report on the skills needs of the maritime industry published by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment on 11 February 2026.

4.9.2025 | For Forest + is a group that promotes the interests of the forested Member States in the EU. Now Italy and Latvia are also members, besides Austria, Finland, France, Slovenia and Sweden. The For Forest Group + held the first meeting in its new composition in Slovenia on 28–30 August 2025.

27.8.2025 | The Canadian province of Québec and Finland are deepening their collaboration in the forest sector. They have signed a declaration of intent to improve the conditions for commercial and research collaboration in forestry and bioeconomy.

13.6.2024 | The multiannual plan for the use of central government research and development funding focuses on strengthening cooperation between businesses and other R&D actors and encouraging businesses to step up their R&D activities in Finland. The plan also aims to improve the conditions for ambitious research that produces new skills and knowledge, to strengthen research and technology infrastructures and to promote international R&D cooperation.

17.12.2025 | The organisation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will be reformed, with the new organisational structure taking effect in the beginning of 2026. The reform was based on the Ministry’s strategy, where the aim is that Finland will be a leading country in a sustainable bioeconomy by 2035.

3.3.2023 | Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met today in Helsinki. In their meeting, discussions focused on measures to strengthen the EU’s strategic economy and other major issues in EU policy, the war in Ukraine, and Finland’s deepening allyship as the country becomes a member of NATO.

26.5.2025 | In an era marked by an increasing frequency and complexity of crises, the eight Nordic governments share a commitment to foster resilience and ensure effective civil preparedness. Leveraging our unique geographical, cultural and historical bonds, we highlight our unwavering commitment to peace, security and stability.

25.11.2024 | The roadmap of the Natural Resources Institute Finland presents two alternative scenarios for the change in the use of peatland fields in different regions. The plan was drawn up together with stakeholders as part of the Catch the Carbon package of climate measures for the land use sector, and it offers support for the official preparation processes and policy making.

16.12.2021 | At its session on 16 December, the Government approved the proposal for Finland’s CAP Strategic Plan, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The CAP Strategic Plan under the common agricultural policy of the EU specifies the agricultural support and rural development measures to be implemented in Finland in 2023–2027 and the conditions applicable to the measures included these support schemes.

26.9.2022 | "For quite some time now, we have been living through a period where exceptions have become the norm. The twofold crisis, the pandemic and Russia's cruel war of aggression, are affecting transport and communications in different ways and at many levels. While this challenges us to make re-evaluations, it also reinforces our previous choices," said Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka at the Transport and Communications Forum on 26 September 2022.

26.9.2022 | "For quite some time now, we have been living through a period where exceptions have become the norm. The twofold crisis, the pandemic and Russia's cruel war of aggression, are affecting transport and communications in different ways and at many levels. While this challenges us to make re-evaluations, it also reinforces our previous choices," said Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka at the Transport and Communications Forum on 26 September 2022.

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.

2.11.2023 | On 2 November 2023, the Government appointed the new Board for the Natural Resources Institute Finland for the term 1 January 2024–31 December 2026. The Board is chaired by Executive Vice President Tuomas Salusjärvi and the vice chair is Saara Kankaanrinta, climate advocate and the co-founder of the Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG) Foundation.

3.2.2021 | A new Strategic Communications Team has been appointed at the Communications Department of the Prime Minister’s Office. The five-person team will be responsible for the Finland Forward psychological resilience campaign launched during last spring’s state of emergency and will support the authorities in preparing for and responding to information influence activities.

17.3.2023 | A panel of international experts convened by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health began its audit of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in August 2022 and submitted its report to Permanent Secretary Veli-Mikko Niemi on 17 March 2023. The previous international audit of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare took place in 2013–2014.

27.2.2023 | Finland is among the leading countries in promoting sustainable development. However, in light of the current situation it may be difficult for Finland to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda. The main challenges Finland is facing are related to ecological sustainability, global responsibility and negative transboundary impacts. It is important to continue the determined and long-term efforts to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda.

22.2.2022 | Funding for the health sector has developed and strengthened, but the Finnish funding environment is about to fall short of the reference countries, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment publication “Report on the development of the health sector funding environment” published on 21 February 2022. The report also contains proposals for developing the funding environment.

25.11.2024 | Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah visits Canada with a delegation of the Finnish forestry and bioeconomy actors on 24–28 November. Minister Essayah will deliver the keynote speech at the Scaling Up Bioeconomy Conference 2024 in Ottawa. Finland is the Feature Country of this year’s conference. In addition, the Minister and the business delegation will visit the province of Quebec.

22.11.2024 | The EU ministers responsible for education, youth, culture and sport will meet in Brussels on 25–26 November. Topics on their agenda include boosting Europe's skills and competitiveness through higher education, opportunities for young people in rural and remote areas, role of libraries in media literacy development, and key features of the European Sport Model, which are based on the values of free...

14.12.2021 | At its meeting on 14 December 2021, the Ministerial Working Group on Competence, Education, Culture and Innovation approved the first update of the national Roadmap for RDI. The first Roadmap for RDI of Prime Minister Marin's Government published in spring 2020 paves the way for sustainable growth and wellbeing based on knowledge, education, research and innovation.

3.2.2022 | The global economic system has entered a new era of geoeconomic rivarly. Particularly the United States and China are using economic instruments to advance strategic agendas, which poses a difficult challenge to the European Union.

1.3.2023 | In its final report, the Parliamentary Working Group on Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) sets objectives for the allocation of research and development funding. In addition to its proposals on funding, the working group makes recommendations related to strengthening the management of the RDI system, increasing the availability of R&D skills and labour force, advancing cooperation, mak...

15.6.2021 | Achieving a circular economy requires coherent guidance that addresses problem areas and takes into account the overall picture. Products must be more environmentally friendly, more repairable and longer-lasting than at present. In order to achieve this objective, we need national and international guidance, especially at the European Union level. The research project examined policy instruments in four key areas of product policy.

10.2.2025 | The fourth programming period of EU structural funds for Finland ended at the end of last year. Finland made full use of the funding provided by the EU, including additional funding from the EU recovery package. The ‘Sustainable growth and jobs’ programme invested EUR 3 billion in the vitality of Finnish regions to promote the success of companies, RDI activities and citizens.

28.2.2023 | According to a study published on 28 February, intensifying great power competition increasingly complicates the ability to respond to global challenges through multilateral cooperation. Finland can respond to this transformation by strengthening the EU’s foreign policy capacities and by examining the potential of informal avenues of cooperation as well as partnerships in the context of the Global South.

24.11.2022 | The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry participates in a project on preparing for a European forest partnership to promote research cooperation in the forest sector. The four-year project ‘European Forest Research and Innovation Ecosystem’ EUFORE, implemented under the Horizon Europe Programme, will evaluate and outline the research, development and innovation needs in the forest sector and provide a platform for strengthening European cooperation.

21.8.2024 | For Forest+ is a group dedicated to advocating for the interests of the forested Member States within the EU. Ministers from the group’s member states – Austria, France, Slovenia and Sweden – and their representatives visited Finland on the invitation of the Finnish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah between 20 and 21 August 2024. During their visit, the ministers discussed next st...

25.8.2025 | Speech by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo at the Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission in Helsinki on 25 August 2025. Speech to be checked against delivery.

1.2.2024 | The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) will replace the experimental cowshed in Minkiö, Jokioinen with a new one. The planning of the project and competitive tendering and planning the implementation of the construction work will be carried out during 2024. The construction of the new cowshed will take place in 2025 and the aim is to take it into use by the end of the year. 

23.9.2024 | Austria, Finland, France, Slovenia and Sweden remind that the Commission’s proposal on forest monitoring has certain merit but needs substantial further work to provide a sound framework in line with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. Their view was presented under AOB in the Agriculture and Fisheries Council 23 September. The item was supported by seven additional Member States.

2.6.2022 | A new study argues that Russia has geared its scientific and technological knowhow towards the unfolding great power competition. During the last decade Russia has sought to restore its scientific and technological prowess through various new strategies, programs and plans in order to regain its sovereign status as a great power.

24.9.2026 | The EU Competitiveness Council convenes in Brussels on 24 September 2026 to discuss internal market and industrial policies. Finland will be represented by Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto.

6.6.2022 | The determined promotion of exports and internationalisation in Finnish business life is increasingly important. An efficiently operating Team Finland network plays a key role in this. According to an assessment published by the Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities on 6 June, the operating model of the network has clearly developed but there is still room for improvement in the network activities.