Finnish Rectors' Council demands review on R&D budget cuts planned for 2027 as GDP started to rise

The Finnish Universities Rectors' Council (UNIFI) has called for a review of the planned budget cuts in research and development (R&D) in the country due to lower-than-expected GDP growth, since GDP has now started to rise.

"Finland's economic growth, competitiveness and productivity are built on high-level expertise, research and innovation. The decisions made in the autumn budget process and the next government term will determine whether Finland can raise the level of education and maintain its growth targets in R&D," UNIFI said on 24/08/2026.

Finland's spring budget negotiations plan to cut funding under the R&D Funding Act, while no cuts or increases were proposed for university education at that time.

The Council also demanded "long-term and sufficient funding to increase the…