Future visions explored at the annual Research Services Days
The annual conference for RDI experts from Finnish higher education institutions and research institutes gathered approximately 350 participants at the Palosaari campus in Vaasa on Thursday, August 22nd. The two-day event jointly organised by the University of Vaasa and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences continues on Friday.
During the Research Services Days, discussions aligned with this year’s theme, Visions for the future, covering topics such as the future of domestic and international research policy in interesting speeches, panel discussions, and diverse parallel sessions. The event kicked off energetically with an impressive drum performance by Kai Hahto, the drummer of the band Nightwish. This was followed by welcoming words from the organisers.
The Vice Rector for Research at the University of Vaasa, Mika Grundström, welcomed the participants together with Hannu Vahtera, President and CEO of VAMK. In his opening speech, Vahtera, who began as President in early August, emphasised the importance of collaboration.
“I believe that future success strongly depends on how we find ways to collaborate in solving the tough challenges of the future in a complex world,” Vahtera stated.
Long-term commitment important in RDI activities and their funding
Marja-Riitta Vest, VAMK’s RDI Director, moderated an interesting panel discussion that explored the future of the Finnish research, development, and innovation system. Discussing the topic were Kari Komulainen, Head of Funding for Large Companies and Research Organisations at Business Finland, Ida Mielityinen, Executive Director of the Rectors’ Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences Arene, Matias Mäkynen, a Vaasa-based Member of Parliament who led the parliamentary working group on research, development, and innovation, and Mika Grundström, Vice Rector of the University of Vaasa.
The discussion emphasised the importance of long-term commitment in research and development activities, such as engaging international experts in Finnish working life and research. The speakers also called for attention to the funding of higher education institutions and research organisations, as well as the allocation of that funding.
The future of research policy and funding
Thursday’s keynote speakers were PhD Evgeni Evgeniev from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, and Elina Holmberg, who works at Business Finland as Senior Director, EU and International Cooperation.
Evgeniev spoke about European research and innovation policy from the perspective of competitiveness and the green digital transition. He reminded the audience that companies’ RDI investments need to accelerate within the EU to achieve competitiveness and policy objectives.
In her speech, Holmberg discussed various scenarios for EU research funding based on discussions held in Brussels and proposals from various stakeholders and member states. She reminded the audience that currently, research and innovation policy is influenced by both geopolitics and tightening economies, as well as increasing costs in other areas.
