University of Manchester presents landmark EU report to Finnish Prime Minister
Professor Luke Georghiou of The University of Manchester has led the delivery of a major on improving collaboration between universities, public research institutions and businesses in Finland.
The report, presented in Helsinki on 6 June, addresses persistent barriers to public-private research and development (R&D) partnerships, and proposes a series of strategic reforms. Professor Georghiou chaired the international expert panel behind the study, commissioned as part of the EU鈥檚 Horizon Europe Policy Support Facility.
Speaking to an audience of 300 stakeholders from across Finland鈥檚 innovation ecosystem, Professor Georghiou outlined the report鈥檚 findings, which call for a cultural shift in academia, more robust incentives for collaboration, and streamlined government support systems. He later presented the final report personally to Finnish Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, accompanied by cabinet ministers and business and research leaders - an indication of the importance attached to the recommendations at the highest level of government.
While I hope that the report will be of general interest, the demonstrated importance which the Finnish government attach to the impact of university research is also significant. In a time of economic difficulty for Finland, they have nonetheless decided to increase research spending to 4% of GDP. The UK figure is currently 2.9%.
Professor Georghiou, part-time Associate Vice-President and Professor in AMBS, said: "While I hope that the report will be of general interest, the demonstrated importance which the Finnish government attach to the impact of university research is also significant. In a time of economic difficulty for Finland, they have nonetheless decided to increase research spending to 4% of GDP. The UK figure is currently 2.9%."
The report highlights the need to reinvigorate collaboration through long-term strategic partnerships, better incentives for researchers, and improvements to the visibility and accessibility of research infrastructure鈥攑articularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also underscores the importance of building a skilled workforce and supporting scale-ups to remain rooted in the Finnish innovation ecosystem.
The significance of the work extends beyond Finland. The European Commission has invited Professor Georghiou to present the report at a meeting of research ministry heads from all EU and associated countries in Gda艅sk, Poland, later this month.
The full report, titled Support to Finland on improving R&D collaboration between research organisations and the private sector, is available for download from the .