Long-term and Predictable R&D Funding Provides the Foundation for Finland’s Research, Expertise and Competitiveness

The results of research, development and innovation activities are generated over the long term. For this reason, research infrastructures, computing environments, research data, research services and highly skilled expertise require sustained investments and long-term commitments. Predictable funding enables the planning and implementation of long-term research programmes, infrastructure investments and international collaboration commitments. The proposed amendments to the R&D Funding Act must not lead to a reduction in the actual level of R&D funding or weaken the predictability of research and innovation activities.

CSC particularly highlights the growing importance of digital research infrastructures in advancing research, innovation and skills development. High-performance computing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and data infrastructures are critical to Finland’s competitiveness at a time when research and innovation are increasingly data-driven. Long-term investments in these capabilities have strengthened Finland’s international position and generated significant economic and societal benefits. The foundation of growth, productivity and new expertise must be safeguarded even during economically challenging times.

CSC considers it important that data, data-driven value creation and emerging technologies remain key priorities of Finland’s national RDI policy. These strengths generate growth, productivity and new expertise that Finland needs to succeed in international competition.

CSC believes that strengthening innovation funding is an important part of the research and innovation system. However, incorporating innovation funding into the overall R&D funding framework must not diminish the real growth of funding directed to research and development activities or jeopardise the achievement of Finland’s 2030 R&D targets.

In CSC’s view, strengthening Finland’s research, expertise and innovation capacity requires, above all, stable and predictable funding prospects. A long-term R&D policy provides the foundation for the development of research infrastructures, the creation of new knowledge, and Finland’s long-term growth and competitiveness.

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