President Halonen satisfied with the results of the state visits to Australia and New Zealand

The Finnish success story, in which education, know-how and innovation, helped raise Finland from the deep recession in the 1990’s to one of the most competitive countries in the world, was a key topic in the meetings between President Tarja Halonen and the leaders of Australia and New Zealand. The state visits to Australia, from 14 to 17 February, and to New Zealand, from 18 to 21 February, included meetings with the national leaders, other official programme events, as well as talks between science, technology and business representatives in both countries. Accompanying President Halonen was a six-member delegation of Finnish innovation experts led by Professor Raimo Väyrynen, President of the Academy of Finland. This delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES), and Geological Survey of Finland (GTK).

President Halonen and Dr Arajärvi visiting, with the Finnish innovation delegation, CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. Copyright © The Office of the President of the Republic

“I believe that the delegation, combining the Head of State, representatives of different ministries, and a high level innovation delegation, worked well. It attracted attention and influence. We got a good start that we can develop further in different fields”, President Halonen noted, expressing satisfaction with the results of the visit.

Both Australia and New Zealand see Finland’s science and technology policy, and its implementation, as a model for the development of their innovation policy and environment. Finland’s application of innovation policy, which emphasises the renewal of business and public sector functions, attracted interest and lively discussion.

Common ground found in innovation policies

In Finland, Australia and New Zealand, there is a common focus, particularly on the sectors of environment, energy, healthcare, forest research and biotechnical applications.

“As well as improving bilateral relations, the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development offers Finnish researchers new possibilities for co-operation with the Australian and New Zealand counterparts. Developing co-operation requires all parties involved to be active”, said Raimo Väyrynen.

In Australia, the mining industry has a significant role in business life and many Australian companies in this field are currently also operating in Finland. It is expected that these investments will generate hundreds of new jobs in Finland in the near future.

During the visit, innovation seminars were organised in Canberra, Sydney and Auckland. The innovation delegation also visited several universities, research institutes and the science-technology administrations in both countries.