Hitec Finland'96: the outlook for Finnish technology The Finnish Foreign Trade Association has published a booklet, entitled "Hitec Finland'96 - the outlook for Finnish technology", which offers an overview of Finnish RTD investment in the areas of automation, forestry, energy, the environment, and food and beverages. Research ... The Finnish Foreign Trade Association has published a booklet, entitled "Hitec Finland'96 - the outlook for Finnish technology", which offers an overview of Finnish RTD investment in the areas of automation, forestry, energy, the environment, and food and beverages. Research and technological development have been very much in focus in Finland over the past 10 to 15 years, both in the private and public sectors. Investment in R&D has recently exceeded 2.2% of GDP, and the contributions of the private and public sectors are 60% and 40% respectively. This year, high-tech products will account for nearly 20% of total exports. Membership of the European Union now enables Finland to participate fully in the Community's science and research programmes, particularly in the design and implementation work of new European programmes. In this context, Finland hopes to incorporate many of the successful features of the Finnish innovation system in European structures and is seeking to make an important contribution to strengthening Europe's overall competitiveness. Countries Finland
