Finland's Experience in Managing the Innovation,
the Tasks of the Public Organisations
Speaker : Dr Heikki Tauno Antero
Kotilainen Deputy Director General Technology Development
Centre, Tekes
Date : March 24, 1999 (Wednesday)
Time : 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Venue : Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library Auditorium
Abstract
The globalisation of industries has triggered an intensive
debate on industrial and technology policy in all developed
countries. As national policy has been redefined within
an international context, the complex interrelations between
industry, technology, science and education have led to
a discussion on the national innovation system. This has
stimulated intensive empirical and theoretical work to
examine the impact these combined factors have on the
economy, employment and job creation. Finland established
a conscious technology policy in the early 1980s. The
innovation system has since been structured to meet the
challenges of changing industrial structures, world markets
and national economies. With the establishment of a Science
and Technology Policy Council in the mid-80's, there was
positive development in resources and research quality.
Public organisations have played central roles in this
development. The government created sufficient prerequisites
for the innovation support and for the fruitful co-operation
between the companies and universities. The establishment
of the Technology Development Centre, Tekes, in 1983 had
a great impact on encouraging industrial R&D work
and applied technological research. Tekes' objective was
to create a systematic approach for the financing of research
and development, to form national technology programmes,
and to build strong links between universities and industry,
as well as establishing international contacts and co-operation.
At the same time, a legal effort was made to increase
the university budgets over a five-year period. Further
support was provided through activities of the Academy
of Finland, which is mainly responsible for the basic
research. Efforts to enhance the venture capital market
were done in parallel with the renewal of the research
funding. In particular, The Finland's 60th anniversary
fund SITRA started to explore different possibilities
to create venture funding and mechanisms suitable for
the Finnish business environment. The work of SITRA has
led to remarkable success in the 90's with many new start-ups
and international ventures.
About the Speaker
Dr Kotilainen obtained his Doctor of Technology (Honours)
from the Technical University of Helsinki, Finland in
1980. He joined Technology Development Centre (Tekes)
in August 1983, as Research Director, Deputy Director
General. In 1993, when Tekes decided to move from New
York to Boston Dr Kotilainen took up the challenge as
Executive Director, to establish the new office and to
gain new ideas for Tekes development. He had created a
contact network for the service of Finnish industry and
universities. Dr Kotilainen assumed his latest appointment
in 1995, as Deputy Director General. During his period
of tenure in Tekes, the organisation has grown from 15
employees to 220 and the budget from 10 MioUSD to 400
MioUSD. It is also in Tekes that Dr Kotilainen has gained
the important and deep understanding of the national policy
issues as well as skills in implementing the policy. His
wide contacts with industry and universities have given
him a good view on technology development, both on the
national and international level. His major achievements
include the creation of the system of the national technology
programmes, framing the international co-operation for
Tekes, organisation for the participation to EU-framework
programmes and the development of the service products
for the foreign offices of Tekes. Dr Kotilainen also holds
many other appointments in seminars, conferences and as
a university lecturer, as well as chairman in international
conferences.
We are pleased to invite you and your colleagues
to attend the talk. Light refreshments will be available
from 3.30pm - 4.00pm. As there are limited number of
seats available, please confirm the number of attendees
from your organisation with Mrs Dorothy Chan at 874-6324
or email cmtgen1@nus.edu.sg by 17 March 1999 . Attendance
is free.
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