International research and innovation cooperation

International research and innovation cooperation supports Finland’s growth and development. It strengthens multilateral and bilateral cooperation with key partner countries and promotes our opportunities to influence as part of wider communities. It also improves our ability to assume responsibility for solving common cross-border problems and enables us to better utilise the information produced by others.

International R&I cooperation is often based on contracts, such as treaties between States or a membership of the European Union and international or European organisations in the sector. Cooperation within the European Union between States and their operators is often considered internal market cooperation. In the context of the EU, international cooperation refers to cooperation with non-European countries. 

The Team Finland network and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment also have bilateral partnerships, especially with major innovation countries such as the US, China, Japan, South Korea and India. The Ministry has contractual structures and bilateral working groups with these countries, with the aim of helping Finnish companies to establish cooperation networks with research organisations, businesses and authorities. Contacts and activities are developed based on national strengths and priorities as well as the needs of companies.

The Ministry also promotes international cooperation as a member of the working groups of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In terms of innovation policy, the most important OECD groups are the Committee on Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP) and the Working Party on Innovation and Technology Policy (TIP). 

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Further information

Timo Haapalehto - timo.haapalehto(at)gov.fi 
Jonna Lehtinen - jonna.lehtinen(at)gov.fi