Finnish parliamentary groups committed to preparing vision for higher education and research

In autumn 2025, a parliamentary monitoring group to support the process to prepare a vision for higher education and research discussed common objectives for higher education and research up to 2040. The group is chaired by Member of Parliament Maaret Castrén.

The task of the monitoring group is to offer perspectives to support the formulation of the vision and, in particular, the common objectives for higher education and research extending to 2040.

“All parliamentary groups are committed to preparing a vision for higher education and research. They agree that higher education and research are crucial for renewal and sustainable economic growth in Finland,” said Maaret Castrén, who chairs the parliamentary monitoring group.

The parliamentary groups support the main objectives of the vision (link to the draft). Among the objectives they consider important are raising the level of education and competence, ensuring smooth transition from general upper secondary education and vocational education and training to higher education, safeguarding knowledge and the freedom of science, securing long-term resources for higher education and research, and acknowledging the vital role of wellbeing in higher education communities.

Vision for higher education and research 2040 is a process launched by the Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie. Higher education institutions and stakeholders have been widely engaged in the preparatory work. Key objectives of the vision are scheduled to be formulated in early 2026. The vision and the recommended measures for higher education and research will be published in spring 2026.

Inquiries:

• Maaret Castrén, Member of Parliament, Chair of the parliamentary monitoring group, tel. +358 9 432 3049
• Erja Heikkinen, director, tel. +358 295 330 101