Finland's Higher Education Vision Needs More Ambition, Stronger Business Ties

As experts from Suomen Yrittäjät (Finnish Entrepreneurs), Maria Nyroos and Mikko Kinnunen, argue in this opinion piece for Helsingin Sanomat, Finland's proposed vision for higher education and research up to 2040, while a necessary undertaking, falls short of the ambition required. The current draft, currently under preparation by the Ministry of Education and Culture, is seen as a missed opportunity to truly propel the nation forward.

The primary critique centers on the inadequate integration of business collaboration into the core of the vision. The authors contend that achieving Finland's RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) targets hinges critically on fostering stronger ties between higher education institutions and the business sector. They specifically call for the creation of 'one-stop shop' services within universities to make R&D activities more accessible, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of the Finnish economy.

Furthermore, the vision appears to overlook the significant shifts occurring in the world of work. With a growing interest in entrepreneurship among young people – as indicated by reports like the NYT's Youth Future Report – and an increasing trend towards combining employment with entrepreneurial ventures and lifelong learning, higher education must adapt. Strengthening entrepreneurial competencies within universities is presented as a crucial step in preparing graduates for this evolving landscape.

Finally, the authors advocate for a more open and realistic discussion about the funding of higher education. The promise of completely free education for all degrees is questioned as unsustainable. They urge policymakers to seize the opportunity to revise the current draft and make the 2040 vision a truly ambitious and forward-looking strategy that aligns with Finland's economic and societal needs, particularly in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.