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Research - Finland

Updated 10/2012

Legal requirements

The European Union's objective has been to increase spending on research and development to at least 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2010.

Patent applications in Finland is one of the highest in the world in proportion to population. Knowledge and research and their use contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation and wellbeing in Finland. In Finland, science policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and Culture.

  • Finnish Science and Technology Information Service suomi

The aim of science policy is to reinforce knowledge and expertise, as well as the international level and visibility of Finnish science.

  • Finnish science policy suomi

R&D bodies

Ministry of Employment and the Economy (TEM), the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes) and the Academy of Finland are the main public research and development organisations in Finland.

  • Ministry of Employment and the Economy (TEM) suomi
  • Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES) suomi
  • Academy of Finland suomi

Alongside R&D, innovation is essential for businesses to develop and stay competitive.

Intellectual property must be protected to encourage research.

Resources

Research.fi is an information service dedicated to science and technology.

  • Finnish Science and Technology Information Service suomi

HighTech Finland is a technology publication, available in print form and online.

Suomi.fi on julkinen verkkopalvelu, johon on koottu tietoa useista aiheista, muun muassa tieteestä ja tutkimuksesta.

  • Scientific Research in Finland (Suomi.fi) suomi

The Technical Research Centre of Finland, VTT, is a research institution belonging to the Ministry of Employment and the Economy offering technology and research services to Finnish and foreign public and private sector customers.

  • VTT suomi

EnterpriseFinland offers information to businesses and entrepreneurs on setting up, expanding, going international and taxation.

  • EnterpriseFinland suomi

Programmes

The Finnish Funding Agency of Technology and Innovation (TEKES) finances and activates challenging research and development projects developed by businesses and public research units. Annually, TEKES has some 600 million euros at its disposal, to be used as financial support and loans for development projects involving technology and innovation.

  • TEKES suomi
  • Priorities and programmes of the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES) suomi

A funding application form can be found on the Tekes website.

  • Funding application suomi

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

  • References

    Legal texts

    • Act on Customer Information Systems for Business Services 2.3.2007/240 suomi
    • Council of State Decree on the Ministry of Employment and the Economy 15.11.2007/1024 suomi

Living and moving in Europe

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Enterprise Europe Network - Contact points

The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local contact points. 

Choose your nearest contact point for personalized help and advice:

Further help

Central Chamber of Commerce and regional Chambers of Commerce promote entrepreneurship and help entrepreneurs to network.

  • Central Chamber of Commerce suomi

Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) covers every single business sector and all sizes of businesses comprehensively. Its purpose is to safeguard common interests in Finnish economic life.

  • Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) suomi

Invest in Finland is a free advisory service aimed at attracting foreign investors to Finland.