European coherence and regional policy? A Finnish perspective on the observed and reported territorial impacts of EU research and development policies

Abstract

The present article focuses on recent analysis on the regional impacts of research and development (R&D) actions within the European Union (EU). Focus will be on exploring a report produced by the European Spatial Observation Network (ESPON), and essential viewpoints of the report will be studied from the Finnish perspective. The operating framework is based on social scientific methodology. The conclusions are based on the current evolution of the Finnish innovation and technology policy. Also thematic areas for further research programming and information needs are proposed.

Notes

1. The key institutions forming the public sector part of the Finnish national innovation system are the Science and Technology Policy Council (political network), the Academy of Finland (funding mainly university and research centre research), Tekes (National Technology Agency of Finland, funds both university and private sector technology research), SITRA (the Finnish National Fund for Research and Development, funds innovation projects both public and private sector project initiatives) and the universities (there are a total of 21 institutions of higher education in Finland, 10 of which are multidisciplinary units). The private sector forms the second part of the system, and it is characterized by the influence of Nokia and its research facilities.