The Health Sector Growth Strategy for Research and Innovation Activities is a
continuation of the report “Health technology and pharmaceutical research as the cornerstone of growth in Finland” ordered in 2012 by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy. The main conclusion of the report was that Finland has strong expertise in the health sector which could be used more effectively to strengthen growth and competitiveness. Private sector research activity could be increased by 2.5 times by 2020 through increased cooperation and by creating a joint action plan.
Three ministries (Ministry of Employment and the Economy, Ministry of Social
Affairs and Health, Ministry of Education and Culture), Tekes - The Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation, and the Academy of Finland prepared, in cooperation with research and innovation funders and organisations in the health sector, the growth strategy that is being announced. The ministries taking part in preparatory work are also together responsible for implementation of the strategy.
The strategy contains the key recommendations for the systematic development of research and innovation activities, as well as for increasing investments and achieving economic growth in the health sector. The core of competitiveness is formed by university hospitals and the development of centres of expertise arising around them from the perspective of research and business partnerships.