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Funding instrument for strategic research

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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.

Strategic research

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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)

Strategic Research Council (26 Sep 2014 −−−−31 Dec 2018)

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• 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

Premise

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Themes proposed by the SRC for 2015(Themes decided by Government)

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185 people attended

163 tweets posted

235 people followed the live stream

Video available atwww.aka.fi/stn-

kuulemistilaisuus

Consultation on theme proposals hosted by SRC and P MO, 27 Nov 2014

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Government’s decision on themes for 2015 (SRC’s pro posal)

A proactive Finland in a

changing world

Utilisation of disruptive technologies and changing institutions

A climate-neutral and resource-scarce society

Equality and its promotion

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Programmes 2015

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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

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Utilisation of disruptive technologies and changing institutions

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Disruptive Technologies and Changing Institutions

A. In the case of a concrete disruptive technology, ho w is it manifested in Finland and what are its potential benefits?

B. In order to make the best possible use of a particu lar disruptive technology, what changes are required in human acti vity, 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?

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A climate -neutral and resource -scarce society

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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 an d 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?

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Equality and its promotion

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Equality in Society

A. What are the mechanisms of inequality in Finland to day?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?

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• 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 .

Research data for policy-makers and end -users

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THANK YOU!