International evaluation:
Corporate research needs steer Finnish mechanical engineering research

09.09.2008 

Finnish mechanical engineering research is too imbalanced to the applied and short-term side, which has an adverse effect on the status of basic research in the field. Urgent measures should therefore be taken to shift the focus of the research from corporate problem-solving to more basic research. This is the conclusion of an international panel that has evaluated the quality of mechanical engineering research in Finland. The results of the evaluation, which was commissioned by the Academy of Finland, were announced on Tuesday 9 September in Helsinki. 

It is the panel’s view that the lack of high-level fundamental research will in the long run also undermine the competitiveness of industry. The panel recommends that units in the field create more balanced research portfolios with more emphasis on basic research, visionary and long-term research projects. These types of projects should also receive increased research funding. The panel says that Finnish mechanical engineering research should “step up international cooperation and boldly venture into new lines of research”. At present, it seems Finnish research units in the field have difficulties exploring research in emerging fields that are becoming increasingly important.

Finnish mechanical engineering research has traditionally had a close connection to business and industry. This has greatly benefited industry and Finnish society both in the form of new innovations and through well-educated professionals. However, the panel goes on to point out that this close connection also has its drawbacks. Research driven by the needs of the business sector has led to a declining interest in scientific advancement and new breakthroughs in the field. This is evident among others from the weak publication record among Finnish mechanical engineering researchers. 

The number of PhDs as compared to international standards is low and the current time-to-degree is too long. The panel sees the Finnish graduate school system as very successful and further proposes that more funding be channelled through it.

The international evaluation of mechanical engineering research in Finland looks at the years 2000–2007 and involves 31 research units in four universities and one research institute. The evaluation panel was chaired by Professor Monika Ivantysynova from Purdue University, USA.

The Academy of Finland regularly conducts, coordinates and commissions extensive evaluations of scientific disciplines and research fields. The evaluations are focused on the level of research, researcher training, research environments and the research system as well as the organisation of research as a whole. Another focus area is the societal impact of research.

The report Mechanical Engineering Research in Finland 2000–2007. International Evaluation has been published in the publication series of the Academy of Finland and it is available in pdf format at www.aka.fi/publications > Academy publications.

More information:
Senior Science Adviser Pentti Pulkkinen, Academy of Finland,
tel. +358 9 7748 8342, pentti.pulkkinen(at)aka.fi

Academy of Finland Communications
Communications Specialist Riitta Tirronen
tel. +358 9 7748 8369, +358 40 828 1724
riitta.tirronen(at)aka.fi