Publication: Finland as a Knowledge Economy 2.0 : Lessons on Policies and Governance
Date
2014-04-08
ISSN
Published
2014-04-08
Author(s)
Halme, Kimmo
Lindy, Ilari
Piirainen, Kalle A.
Salminen, Vesa
White, Justine
Abstract
The technology and innovation landscape
has changed considerably since 2006 when Finland as a
Knowledge Economy: Elements of Success and Lessons Learned
[see also report 39378] was first published by the World
Bank Institute (WBI). Finland is known for its consistent
progress in the economy and competitiveness, as well as the
egalitarian society underneath it. Yet, the challenges
experienced by Finland in the beginning of the 20th century
were similar to those experienced by many countries today.
Finland emerged as an independent nation in the midst of
international economic and political turbulence. In spite of
its remoteness, relative scarcity of natural resources,
smallness of the home market and recent history
characterized by wars and social cleavages, Finland
transformed itself from an agriculture-based economy in the
1950's into one of the leading innovation-driven,
knowledge-based economies and high-tech producers in the
twenty-first century. The development was rapid, and
involved determined action and sometimes drastic decisions
by the government and other key actors. Today, at the end of
2013, Finland is facing new types of challenges both
domestically and internationally in efforts to maintain its
societal sustainability and economic competitiveness.
Finland Knowledge Economy 2.0 presents some of the key
policies, elements, initiatives and decisions behind
Finland's path into the Knowledge Economy of today. The
authors hope to provide the readers inspiration, new ideas,
and novel insights. Hopefully some of the lessons learned
may prove valuable in another context. Based on this account
of the development of Finnish Knowledge Economy, the authors
have identified six areas of lessons, each described in
detail in respective chapters. The book should not be seen
as a scientific all encompassing study, but rather as a
"Knowledge Economy cook-book", with practical
cases, links and insights provided for further exploration.
Citation
“Halme, Kimmo; Lindy, Ilari; Piirainen, Kalle A.; Salminen, Vesa; White, Justine. 2014. Finland as a Knowledge Economy 2.0 : Lessons on Policies and Governance. Directions in Development--Science,Technology, and Innovation;. © Washington, DC: World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/17869 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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