Finland’s shared vision for higher education and research being finalised
A joint vision for higher education and research, titled Bildung as a Vision for Finland, is due to be completed in June. The vision represents Finland’s pledge for the future of higher education and research and is based on the current strengths and policies of the higher education system. The vision will be finalised during the spring under the leadership of the vision's steering group and the support of the parliamentary monitoring group. Their work draws on feedback collected through a wide-ranging consultation round.
The Ministry of Education and Culture organised an open consultation from 26 March to 15 April 2026 on the draft publication Bildung as a Vision for Finland – Vision for higher education and research extending to 2040. In total, 195 responses were received.
The comprehensive feedback provides a strong basis for finalising the vision. Following a long and participatory written process, the feedback was largely positive. Responses indicate that the situational overview presented in the draft vision successfully identifies the key challenges facing education and research. For the most part, respondents also consider the vision’s objectives to be justified and to represent steps in the right direction. However, respondents experience the vision as being mainly focused on higher education and would prefer a more comprehensive examination of education and research, development and innovation (RDI) structures.
In the feedback, the proposed measures are assessed more critically than the targets. Respondents point out that the measures should be prioritised, scheduled and made more concrete. A key shortcoming identified in the draft is the insufficient consideration of how advances in technology and artificial intelligence are transforming competence and affecting how research is conducted and how education is organised. Respondents also call for stronger emphasis in the vision on the wellbeing of students and staff, as well as on support for student learning.
Summary of feedback from the draft vision consultation round
Steering group guides the finalisation of the vision
At its meeting of 28 April 2026, based on the feedback received, the steering group discussed the need to amend the draft vision. The steering group also outlined the key principles guiding the finalisation of the vision.
The steering group sees the vision as a joint pledge for Finland by higher education and research. While the situational overview and objectives presented in the vision address broad societal phenomena, the proposed measures focus in particular on higher education institutions and the branch of government of the Ministry of Education and Culture. The vision seeks to reconcile the perspectives of higher education institutions, various actors in higher education and research, and other stakeholders.
The vision is based on the current strengths of the higher education system, a previous vision extending to 2030, as well as parliamentary RDI policies and decisions on increases in central government R&D funding. By outlining sector-specific measures to help build a positive future for Finland, the vision also highlights the future responsibilities of higher education institutions and the branch of government of the Ministry of Education and Culture.
The steering group recommended that the proposed measures aimed at raising the level of education be consolidated. Following the steering group’s discussions, new recommendations have also been prepared concerning completion rates in higher education, the role of higher education institutions in the creation of research-based business, and the development of the content of teaching, learning and qualifications. These recommendations respond to challenges arising from technological change, including the utilisation of artificial intelligence and sustainable development.
Spring seminar agenda addressed the future
Led by Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie, the management of higher education institutions and science institutes discussed the future of higher education and research at their spring seminar on 7 May 2026.
In her speech, the Minister emphasised the importance of creating more opportunities for young people and strengthening their faith in the future. To ensure that 60 per cent of young adults have completed high-quality higher education by 2040, the transition to higher education must be successful for a larger proportion of applicants, and completion times must be shorter than at present. This is seen as a way for responding to young people’s hopes and expectations.
The senior management of higher education institutions and science institutes highlighted the importance of Bildung in times of rapid change and in shaping a future-oriented scenario based on hope and high levels of competence. The discussions also placed strong emphasis on the role of higher education institutions in serving society. Achieving these changes requires solutions and expertise produced by higher education institutions.
Inquiries: Sirkku Linna, Director General, tel. +358 295 330515