National-regional governance of STI

Finland comprises 19 regions (maakunta/landskap), 18 on the mainland plus the self-governing Åland Islands, and 310 municipalities (kunta/kommun). The 18 Regional Councils (maakunnan liitto/landskapsförbund) are indirectly composed by the local authorities of the mainland province and constitute mandatory joint municipal authorities. The Regional Councils are stipulated in Finnish law, and each council receives funding from its member municipalities as well as funds for regional development from the government and the European Union. STI policies are mainly the remit of national policy. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in Finland plays a central role in formulating and implementing STI policies at the national level. The Ministry of Education and Culture, the Academy of Finland and Business Finland are also pivotal actors, with responsibility over educational matters and culture, excellence in research and SME and entrepreneurship policy respectively. The Research and Innovation Council (RINK) is a coordinating body that brings together key stakeholders, including ministries, funding agencies, and research organizations and is chaired by the Prime Minister. It discusses key issues relating to the development of research and innovation policy that supports wellbeing, growth and competitiveness and includes respresentatives at different levels of government. The Strategic Research Council operates under the Academy of Finland and provides funding for strategic research programs that address societal challenges. It contributes to the coordination of research efforts, including at the regional level. Regional Councils often contribute to the implementation of national STI policies at the regional level. In addition, the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres) are regional administrative bodies that operate under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. They are involved in various tasks, including promoting economic development and innovation at the regional level.

National and regional S3s: organisation and governance

There are 18 S3s in Finland, one for each Regional Council. These Regional Councils are central to the development and implementation of S3 strategies in Finland. They represent regional interests, gather input from local stakeholders, and lead the process of identifying strategic priorities for innovation and development. ELY Centres also contribute to the identification of regional strengths and development opportunities. Other regional stakeholders, from research institutions to business representative groups, are also involved. While the drafting of S3 documents is conducted at the regional level, there is collaboration with national-level ministries and agencies to ensure alignment with broader national innovation policies. This happens through the aforementioned platforms.

For information on regional S3s, please return to the homepage: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/assets/s3-observatory/index_en.html