New vision for higher education and research for Finland
The Ministry of Education and Culture has published Bildung as a Way Forward for Finland – A vision for higher education and research for 2040, a scenario developed in collaboration with higher education institutions, decision-makers, and actors in higher education and research to guide Finland’s future direction. The vision, published on 15 June 2026, sets out objectives for higher education and research, as well as for Finland as a whole, and proposes a range of measures to achieve these goals.
The vision is grounded in the principle that the bedrock of societal wellbeing, growth and democracy lies in academic freedom, higher education, and research-based knowledge and expertise.
“By being able to regenerate, Finland’s success has been built on trust, democracy and wellbeing, underpinned by education and research-based knowledge. Competence and expertise, along with high-quality higher education and research, will continue to guarantee Finland's future. Finland aims to remain a leading nation in Bildung, democracy and the freedom of research also in 2040,” says Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie.
Opening doors to higher education for young people
In recent decades, Finland has lagged behind other OECD countries in the proportion of highly educated people. Increasing educational levels is identified as a key objective, with studies demonstrating its critical impact on national competitiveness and economic growth. The vision therefore sets a target of raising the proportion of young adults with a higher education degree to 60 per cent.
“The vision’s key message is clear: competence and expertise form the foundation for Finland's future. The vision’s core message is that education belongs to everyone, and we want to create new opportunities especially for young people. We want to raise the share of young adults with a degree in higher education to 60 per cent. This objective also meets the expectations of young people. A recent Youth Barometer shows that 81 per cent of young people wish to pursue a higher education degree,” says Minister Talvitie.
Research and development reform society
By increasing research and development funding on a long-term basis, Finland can become a larger research country and a more attractive international partner than its size would suggest,” Minister Talvitie concludes.
The vision’s objectives and proposed measures for research and development support the implementation of the Act on Research and Development Funding and its associated multiannual plan, and aim to strengthen research, development and innovation (RDI) intensity. Measures include promoting quality and effectiveness through increased specialisation of higher education institutions, reform of researcher training, and ensuring an adequate supply of experts for the RDI system. From the perspective of higher education institutions and Finland’s competitiveness, it is also considered important to attract and retain international talent.
The level of R&D expenditure is to be increased to 4 per cent of GDP by 2030, with further growth in funding considered justified beyond 2030.
Reform of the higher education and research system
Global competition, demographic developments, challenges in public finances and evolving competence needs require reform of the higher education and research system. Development work will be initiated to support this reform.
“The higher education system must be boldly developed on the basis of existing strengths. This means increasing cooperation between higher education institutions, enabling new innovative operating models and ensuring effective use of public resources,” says Minister of Science and Culture Talvitie.
Broad-based preparation of the vision
Headed by Minister Talvitie, the preparation of the vision was initiated in spring 2025. A wide range of representatives from the higher education and scientific community, decision-makers, and stakeholders took part in the work.
Chaired by Minister Mari-Leena Talvitie, the vision was led by a steering group and supported by a parliamentary monitoring group. It presents a shared overview of the current situation, objectives for higher education and research by 2040, as well as recommendations for measures. A plan for implementing the vision will be drawn up in autumn 2026.
Bildung as a Way Forward for Finland – A vision for higher education and research for 2040
Inquiries: Sirkku Linna, Director General, tel. +358 295 330 515
Materials and project information on the vision: