Innovate or founder, experts urge Finland's leaders
Despite being ranked as the globe's most competitive economy by the World Economic Forum three times in the past four years, a group of experts in Finland has warned the country's leaders to foster innovation or risk slipping behind in the global market. Two-dozen experts and decision makers contributed to a report entitled 'Making Finland a leading country in innovation' on behalf of the Finnish national fund for research and development (Sitra). The report is the first concrete result of Sitra's new innovation programme launched in autumn 2004. The report makes 27 separate recommendations designed to create 'a dynamic innovation environment that will attract experts and investment'. One such recommendation, for example, states that: 'An active and persistent effort shall be made to develop emerging core sectors of science and technology and to support the efficient commercialisation of innovations based on them.' Further proposals cover tax and immigration reforms, networking of companies and universities and the establishment of regional innovation centres. 'Without significant reform, Finland will lose its position in the global economy,' says Sitra's programme director, Antti Hautamäki, despite the country's economy being the envy of most of the world. Sitra Economist Tuovi Allén agrees, adding: 'I don't take these competitive indices so seriously. They measure different aspects of the economy and competitiveness and are mainly based on the opinions of business managers.' Ms Allén adds: 'Most of Finland's international and economic success has been based on innovations and high technology, especially ICT [information and communication technology] after the deep recession during the early 1990s.' Nokia provided the engine, and other companies and suppliers followed, she says. But she warns that Finland must expand its horizons in order to maintain a competitive edge. 'We have to invest more in design and marketing, not just technology,' Ms Allén concluded.
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