2009

The state and quality of scientific research in Finland

The report The State and Quality of Scientific Research in Finland 2009 provides an analysis of scientific research and the research system in Finland within a broader European and global context. The report also offers an assessment of their state and quality on the basis of various indicators and comparisons and outlines future directions for the development of scientific research in Finland and the national research system. The report is divided in three sections:

• Section I provides a general overview of the Finnish research system. Chapter 1 in Section I reviews the development of the Finnish research system over the past few decades. Chapter 2 discusses the structural development of that system, focusing particularly on university research. Chapter 3 explores the development of the international operating environment, the role and position of Finnish science within that environment, and the internationalisation of Finnish science and the Finnish research system. Chapter 4 deals with science in society: the role of science and research in policy-making, in the innovation system and education, and social impacts of research.
• In Section II, the Academy’s four Research Councils provide their assessments of the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of Finnish science and research in their respective fields.
• Section III outlines future directions for the development of scientific research and the research system.

• The State and Quality of Scientific Research in Finland 2009 (Academy of Finland publications 10/2009, PDF)
• The State and Quality of Scientific Research in Finland 2009: Summary (PDF)

• Report tables (PDF)

Releases (10 Nov 2009):

• Academy completes review of the current state of science and research: Research Resources Showing Signs of Erosion (PDF)
• Biosciences and environmental research showing strong development (PDF)
• Cultural and social research places growing emphasis on global perspectives and ethical research considerations (PDF)
• Research in natural sciences and engineering plays key role in meeting future challenges (PDF)
• The clinical research career presents challenges (PDF)

Presentations (10 Nov 2009):

• Paavo Löppönen: State and Quality of Scientific Research in Finland (PDF)
• Yrjö Neuvo: Kommentteja Suomen tieteen tilaan ja tasoon (in Finnish, PDF)
• Risto Heiskala: Mitä Suomen oppineilta puuttuu? (in Finnish, PDF)
• Ilkka Niiniluoto: Katsaus Suomen tieteen tilaan ja tasoon (in Finnish, PDF)

Five-country comparison (21 Dec 2010)

After publishing its report The State and Quality of Scientific Research in Finland 2009, the Academy of Finland has reviewed the research- and science-policy measures carried out in the 2000s by five countries (Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland) comparable with Finland. The study shows that these countries have been successful in their research efforts because, throughout the 2000s, they have actively and consistently developed the preconditions and instruments for their research.

The key question explored by the review was: What have these five countries done better than Finland, or what key measures with positive impacts on scientific performance has Finland neglected or failed to implement?

• Tutkimuspolitiikan käytännöt ja välineet ‒ viiden maan vertailu (Research Policy: Tools and Practices: A Five-Country Comparison) by Kimmo Viljamaa, Janne Lehenkari, Tarmo Lemola and Terhi Tuominen (Advances) has come out (in Finnish) in the Academy of Finland publication series (2/2010). 
• Academy of Finland’s five-country comparison reveals: Finnish science policy needs updating  (Release 21 Dec 2010)
• Research Policy: Tools and Practices: A Five-Country Comparison (Advansis) (Presentation at the publication of the report, PDF)