Today, the Ministry of Education and Culture has published the vision for higher education and research for 2040: “Direction for Finland through Cultivation and Learning”. The vision creates a timely and shared future outlook between the higher education sector and policymakers. SAMOK is delighted that cultivation, democracy, and academic freedom have been elevated as core development goals, and that higher education communities are recognized as a driving force for societal renewal.
“We proudly stand behind Finland’s vision to raise the education level of young adults to 60%. This steady, shared direction across the sector provides future governments with an excellent opportunity to look beyond individual electoral terms. Now is the time to invest in the tools that will bridge the gap to our peer countries and meet the challenges of future transitions,” says Helena Maijanen, President of SAMOK.
SAMOK considers it important that the vision is built upon a functional dual model and recognizes the critical role of universities of applied sciences (UAS) as engines for professional education and RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) potential. Working-life-oriented applied research and the inclusion of students as equal members of the higher education community directly generate new vitality for regional business sectors already during studies. To fully utilize this potential, the self-determination and legislative autonomy of universities of applied sciences must be absolutely protected in future structural reform work.
“It is wonderful to see that the resources of universities of applied sciences are recognized in the vision. Autonomy is a guarantee of regional vitality and pedagogical quality. Proposals to harmonize degree titles with international frameworks and to offer incentive-based entrepreneurship education provide concrete steps for development, hopefully in the near future,” Maijanen states.
Student well-being and genuine integration into the higher education community from the very beginning of studies are rightfully included in the vision’s measures. SAMOK warmly supports the national framework for guidance and learning support, as well as the nationwide community health operating model. At the same time, the responsible recruitment of international students and their integration into Finnish society will be promoted by clarifying application procedures for English-taught programs and by increasing degree programs that combine national and foreign languages. SAMOK emphasizes that to guarantee predictability and equality, the joint application system must remain the primary pathway to study rights, ensuring that student status will continue to be based on competence rather than financial capacity.
The goal set by the vision to raise the education level of young adults to 60% is an ambitious and well-directed response to future skills needs. Achieving this target and ensuring quality requires strong and predictable public core funding within long-term public finance frameworks. SAMOK advocates implementing the vision goals as part of a parliamentary, cross-electoral term plan for higher education funding.
“Education is not just fuel for the economy; it broadens an individual’s intellectual horizon and fosters critical thinkers. When future governments commit to this shared direction in the long term, we can bring long-awaited stability to the system, helping us withstand future societal transitions. The next step is to put the vision into practice and together build a Finland that invests heavily in professional education and believes in students as the changemakers of the 2040s,” Maijanen concludes.
For further information:
Helena Maijanen President +358 50 389 1000 [email protected]