Open science, multidisciplinarity and data must be part of Finland’s Vision for Higher Education and Research 2040
CSC considers the draft Vision for Higher Education and Research 2040 to be important and largely well-directed. However, the vision’s objectives and recommended measures should place stronger emphasis on the significance of open science, multidisciplinarity, lifelong learning, and the growing data-intensity of education and research. It is essential to take action at both national and EU levels to strengthen data sovereignty, build world-class research infrastructures, and improve interoperability.
It is crucial to clearly position open science as a core element of Finland’s leadership in education, democracy, and academic freedom. Openness, high-quality research data, and cross-sectoral collaboration enhance the reliability, impact, and societal benefit of research. This is supported by world-class research and data infrastructures, as well as strong national and European cooperation.
We also emphasise the close interconnection between education, research, and RDI activities. This relationship is bidirectional: research develops education, and education builds the competence base for research and innovation. The importance of data intensity and multidisciplinarity, in particular, should be more strongly reflected in the vision than it currently is.
Lifelong learning is essential due to rapid changes in working life, technology, and global challenges, and it should be recognised at the level of strategic objectives. In addition, digital pedagogy, the digital competencies of teaching staff, and the utilisation of artificial intelligence require investments in data availability, quality, and skills.
We highlight the importance of world-class research infrastructures (such as the LUMI ecosystem) not only for research but also for business collaboration, competence development, and the creation of innovations. These should be viewed as part of a comprehensive ecosystem for data-driven research and innovation.
Finally, we stress the importance of strong connections to Europe, interoperability, and the effective use of EU funding in both research and the development of education.
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- Full statement(in Finnish)
- Impact and Public Affairs
Contact
Irina Kupiainen
Irina Kupiainen is responsible for CSC’s public affairs.