IT Geographics in Finland

HIGH-TECH TECHNOPOLIS

Finland does not have a single location akin to Silicon Valley in the United States. It does have a network of universities that provide the background for technological advancements. In 1993 FUNET implemented next-generation network technology. Collaborative ATM pilot project was initialized between FUNET, Tampere University of Technology and Finnish Telecom. A large regional center has developed around Oulu. The University of Oulu contributes to the ongoing efforts in technology research and development. The majority of telematics research and development occurs at the Helsinki University. The Helsinki University of Technology maintains a laboratory devoted to multimedia interests and virutal reality. "Education and Research 2000", the government's most recent development decision, issued in December 1995, cited several aims at the university level for structural development:

• focus development on scientific research and high-standard artistic activities, which create the basis for teaching
• secure conditions for high-standard basic research and researcher training
• promote flexible and varied research, education arrangements and encourage universitites to create profiles in their strength areas as a basis for raising research and education to the top level
• increase research funding for new units, promising disciplines and topical and important research programs
• create better opportunities for young postdoctoral researchers to qualify as professional researchers
• promote universities' and enterprises' joint research projects which support the creation of new industry.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Finnish National Multimedia Program, financed by TEKES, is a major practical initiative scheduled to last until 1997. TEKES is the main financing organization for applied and industrial R&D. TEKES budget in 1996 amounted to FIM1.3 billion. Finland expended 12.7 billion FIM in 1995 on R&D. This measures 2.3 percent of GNP. Finland's increasing input for R&D was graphed by Virtual Finland and is avaliable here. Projects estimate that R&D funding will rise to 2.9% of GDP by 1999. The majority of research is carried out by firms on their own funds. According to the FINNET GROUP's White Book of Telecommunications "in the late 1990's, interactive video networks will be a significant target for investment."

The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and the Ministry of Trade and Industry are the two most important in terms of monitoring R&D developments. Universities and the Academy of Finland fall under the administration of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. The Ministry of Trade and Industry also administers to two bodies. The Technology Development Center and the Technical Research Center of Finland (VTT). The VTT is the most important technical research institute of Finland.

Forward to IT Usage in Finland Back to Human Capital & IT in Finland

Home to MoGIT Country Listing

Last Update: 2 May 1997