Funding instrument for strategic research 1
Strategic research In our frame of reference, strategic research refers to demand-driven research. The demands and needs are defined by the Finnish Government. The research seeks solutions to promote renewal (of business and industry and the public sector). The research supports evidence-based policy. The research is of the highest quality and has impact. 2
Strategic Research Council (26 Sep 2014 31 Dec 2018) Chair: Research Director Per Mickwitz (Finnish Environment Institute) Vice Chair: Professor of Practice Anne Brunila (Hanken School of Economics) Members: Senior Vice President Jaakko Kiander (Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company) Professor of Practice Sixten Korkman (Aalto University) Academy Professor Markku Kulmala (University of Helsinki) Professor Juho Saari (University of Eastern Finland) Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro (University of Jyväskylä) Vice President Leena Sarvaranta (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland) Professor, Academician of Science Irma Thesleff (University of Helsinki) 3
Premise Major challenges do not follow ministry boundaries Multidisciplinarity, phenomenon-based approaches, crossing boundaries between administrative branches Open calls everyone can apply Review criteria: relevance, impact and quality Solution-oriented research, evidence-based policy 4
Themes selected by the SRC for 2015 5
Consultation on theme proposals hosted by SRC and PMO, 27 Nov 2014 185 people attended 163 tweets posted 235 people followed the live stream Video available at www.aka.fi/stnkuulemistilaisuus 6
Government s decision on themes for 2015 (SRC s proposal) Utilisation of disruptive technologies and changing institutions A proactive Finland in a changing world Equality and its promotion A climate-neutral and resource-scarce society 7
Programmes 2015 8
Strategic research programmes The strategic research programmes will provide funding to large research consortia in which multidisciplinary collaboration will be of key importance The programmes duration is six years The projects will also have to go through a midterm evaluation in the third year The funding will amount to 4 8 million euros per consortium In the research plan, applicants must address the main questions A and B In addition, applicants can choose to address either or both of questions C and D 9
Utilisation of disruptive technologies and changing institutions 10
Disruptive Technologies and Changing Institutions A. In the case of a concrete disruptive technology, how is it manifested in Finland and what are its potential benefits? B. In order to make the best possible use of a particular disruptive technology, what changes are required in human activity, institutions and operational methods? C. In what ways can the public sector best support the change process so as to maintain a controlled change and create the best possible conditions for Finland to utilise disruptive technologies? D. How can we ensure that businesses, employees, the public sector and consumers possess the resources and skills that promote an ability to adapt to the changes and risks brought about by disruptive technologies? 11
A climate-neutral and resource-scarce society 12
A Climate-Neutral and Resource-Scarce Finland A. How can we improve resource efficiency and support the move towards a circular economy, which will serve to boost exports and competence-based growth in Finland? B. What are the requirements for climate neutrality and resource efficiency in society? C. In what ways can the public sector best support the overall change process so as to maintain a controlled move towards a climate-neutral and resource-scarce society? D. How can we ensure that businesses, employees, the public sector and consumers possess the resources and skills that best promote adaptation to climate change and the transition to a climate-neutral and resource-scarce society? 13
Equality and its promotion 14
Equality in Society A. What are the mechanisms of inequality in Finland today? B. How can equality be promoted in connection with the renewal of basic services and benefit schemes? C. In what ways can the public sector best support innovative experimentation, learning by experimentation and institutional change so as to maintain a controlled change process and successfully renew basic services and benefit schemes? D. How can we ensure that individuals, groups and institutions possess the skills and resources that facilitate equal adaptation to the renewal of basic services and benefit schemes? 15
Research data for policy-makers and end-users Special focus on the interaction by which research knowledge is transferred between researchers and end-users: as the research starts and progresses through programme activities after the research has ended. Emphasis on the researcher s active role THIS SHOULD BE REMEMBERED AND INVESTED IN WHEN FORMING CONSORTIA AND DRAFTING FUNDING APPLICATIONS. 16
THANK YOU! 17