Engaged people and culture of trust
Finnish healthcare system and researchers are widely respected and trusted by the Finns. Therefore, Finns are largely willing to participate in public screening programs and to donate their samples to biobanks. It is certainly an asset to research that they also remain committed to the trials they have chosen to participate in, improving the quality of the data significantly.
As well as a trusted healthcare system, education is seen as a cornerstone of the Finnish welfare society. Education, being free from pre-school to the higher level, offers equal opportunities for all – and improves the competitiveness of the whole country. It also makes sure that there is a continuum of skilled and competent workforce for the years to come. At the end of 2019, 32% of Finns above the age of 15 had completed an academic degree. (1)
Finland has a research-friendly environment and legislation that sustains the development of the pharmaceutical industry.
The Finnish Government has allocated significant funds on founding national clusters of excellence: establishing a genome centre, a national cancer centre, a neurocentre and drug development centre as well as enhancing public biobanks. All these initiatives enhance the further development and longevity of Finnish know-how.
It is safe to say that the Cluster of Excellence and its different functions have changed the way we see the operating models in this industry ecosystem, and in society. It will also strengthen the role these functions will take in research as well as increase mutually beneficial cooperation with companies in the pharmaceutical industry.
Click for more information:
1) Findikaattori, Väestön koulutusrakenne (in Finnish)
Fingenious, Why Choose Finland for Your Biomedical Research?
Pharma Industry Finland, Research environment Finland
Ministry of Education and Culture, Finnish Education System
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Personalized medicine – Overall project description