Finnish rectors call for country to raise level of education and research support by 2031

The Finnish Universities Rectors' Council (UNIFI) has called for the country to "focus on raising the level of education and supporting groundbreaking research" over the 2027-2031 parliamentary term. Finland holds parliamentary elections in April 2027.

Acknowledging Finland's shrinking population, global crises and intensifying competition for talent and investments, the Council highlighted on 01/06/20206 the need to invest in high-quality higher education and groundbreaking research to secure the country's growth and well-being.

Representatives from Finland's 13 universities stated that the country needed:
• Human capital, which is fostered at universities, to drive productivity and economic growth;
• Highly educated experts to renew its society and business life, accelerate its productivity growth and strengthen its civic and cultural foundation built on critical thinking, creativity and the ability to learn;
• Groundbreaking research to generate new knowledge, innovations and solutions that also enable further leaps in new growth sectors.

"Political leaders have to make consistent…