Research and Innovation background
R&I Background
One key document setting out research and innovation policy is the Government Programme for the four-year parliamentary term. The latest programme, published in 2019 (Government Communications Strategy) outlines Finland’s strategic goals across several areas of governance and societal development. The main thematic areas in this document include:
- A carbon neutral Finland that protects biodiversity;
- A global influential Finland and European policy;
- A safe and secure Finland built on the rule of law;
- A dynamic and thriving Finland, transport networks and agriculture;
- A Finland built on trust and labour market equality;
- A Fair, equal and inclusive Finland;
- A Finland that promotes competence, education, culture and innovation;
- Governance.
On 21 April 2020, the Ministerial Working Group on Competence, Education, Culture and Innovation adopted a National Roadmap for Research, Development and Innovation (RDI). The roadmap aims to make Finland the most attractive and competent environment for experimentation and innovation in the world, producing sustainable solutions to societal challenges. The National RSI Roadmap emphasises three key objectives:
- Increasing investment in R&I
- Building a world class RDI ecosystem
- Producing sustainable solutions to societal challenges
Key Transport Policy strategies and initiatives in Finland
Finland is highly committed to sustainable and innovative transport solutions, with policies aligned with the European Union's Green Deal and the Paris Agreement's climate goals. Finland aims to become carbon-neutral by 2035, with transport playing a key role in achieving this target. Various national strategies address transport sustainability, electrification, digitalisation, and innovation.
- National Transport System Plan (2021-2032): This plan guides the maintenance of the Finnish transport system and its development into the distant future. The plan includes an assessment of the current state and future operating environment of the Finnish transport system, the objectives for the transport system and the measures for meeting the objectives. It covers roads, railways, aviation, and maritime transport, with a strong focus on reducing emissions, increasing efficiency, and promoting digital technologies. Finland's transport policy emphasizes sustainable mobility, including electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen, and biofuels.
- Report on Transport Policy: In this document, the Finnish Government set out policy for the years 2012-2022.
- Sustainable Growth Programme for the Transport Sector 2021-2023: This document provides an update of the National Growth Programme for the Transport Sector. The published sustainable growth programme promotes business-driven innovation, internationalisation, and growth based on sustainable solutions in the transport sector. The aim of the programme is to promote investment and international growth in the sector through ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable solutions.
- Transport Infrastructure 2030: Meeting the Challenges of Concentrating Population and Industrial changes: This strategic document addresses the future needs of Finland’s transport infrastructure, taking into account population shifts and changes in the industrial landscape. It focuses on ensuring the resilience and capacity of transport infrastructure in areas with increasing urbanisation while supporting industrial transport needs in less densely populated areas.
- Transport 2030: Major challenges, new directions: This document outlines Finland’s broader strategic vision for the transport sector by 2030. It identifies major challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, digitalisation, and evolving industrial needs, and sets new directions for addressing these challenges.
- Maritime Spatial Plan 2030: This document outlines key areas for marine industries such as energy production, fishing, and shipping. This strategic plan aims to balance the needs of different sectors and enhance marine environmental management, with updates at least every ten years.
- Roadmap to fossil-free transport: This roadmap lays out Finland’s long-term vision for eliminating fossil fuels from the transport sector. It outlines specific actions and milestones to achieve a completely fossil-free transport system by 2045, focusing on expanding the use of electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and biofuels, alongside improving public transport and investing n the necessary infrastructure to support these technologies.
- Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs): Several Finnish cities, such as Helsinki, have adopted SUMPs that emphasise walking, cycling, public transport and the use of shared transport. These plans also aim to reduce car dependency and enhance smart urban transport systems.
Institutional framework of transport research
Framework
Finland has a centralised system for research policy planning and decision-making, which consists of three main operational levels , including:
- Parliament and the national government: This level is responsible for decision making at the highest level and are supported in matters related to research, technology and innovation policy by the high level advisory body the Research and Innovation Council.
- Governmental ministries: Ministries represent the second level. The key ministries with respect to research policy are the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The Ministry of Education and Culture is also responsible for budget preparations for the sector.
- R&D funding agencies: (The Academy of Finland and Tekes – the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation). The Academy of Finland funds fundamental research through competitive grants. Most of the Tekes funds are allocated to R&D projects carried out by companies, but also to university research. In addition, the Finnish National Fund for Research and Development is an independent public fund operating under the supervision of the Finnish Parliament. It supports research and development in areas considered important to the welfare of Finnish society. The Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) promotes the realisation of innovative solutions and new businesses by foreseeing in the strategic research stage the future needs of its customers. Finally, the private sector in Finland is very active in funding research.
Transport policy is developed and implemented by the Ministry of Transport and Communications and its agencies. The Ministry’s responsibilities include transport systems and networks, transport of people and goods, traffic safety, and issues relating to climate and the environment
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Funding & Support
Finland offers a variety of funding programmes aimed at supporting RDI in transport, particularly focusing on sustainability, digitalisation, and innovation in mobility systems. These funding mechanisms are accessible to companies, research institutions, and public-sector organisations. Current transport funding sources and initiatives include:
- Innovation and skills in Finland (2021-2027): This is the main tool for long-term development of Finland’s regions, designed to bring about their sustainable growth and their inhabitants' well-being. The funds will support Finland's adaptation to the green transition by helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, finding energy and resource efficient solutions, and adapt to climate change.
- Finnish Climate Fund: This government-backed fund provides financing for projects that advance Finland’s carbon neutrality goals, including transport projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through electrification biofuels, and hydrogen technologies.
- Academy of Finland Research Grants: Through the Academy’s various research programmes, academic institutions and research centres can secure funding for transport-related research.
- Business Finland Funding Programmes: Business Finland provides funding opportunities for businesses and research institutions working on innovative transport projects. Funding is provided for the development of new transport technologies, digitalisation, smart infrastructure, and electric mobility solutions. Examples of relevant programmes include the Smart Mobility Programme (which supports projects that foster the development of intelligent transport systems, electric mobility, autonomous vehicles, and mobility-as-a-service platforms) and the Sustainable Growth Programme (which focuses in green transition initiatives).
(Last updated: 05/11/2024)