This document discusses health technology and pharmaceutical research as drivers of growth in Finland. It notes that Finland had record health technology exports in 2013, with exports of 1.6 billion euros and a surplus of 749 million euros. However, it also identifies several areas for improvement in Finland's innovation ecosystem for health technologies, including inadequate development of university hospital concentrations, lack of cooperation between universities, and inefficient utilization of personal health data. The objective for Finland is to become internationally recognized as a forerunner in health sector research, innovation, investment, and new businesses in a way that benefits people's health and well-being.

1. Health technology and
pharmaceutical research as the
cornerstone of growth in Finland
Mikko Alkio
Avance Attorneys

2. 2
Finland – growing health industry country
Mikko Alkio
Sitra, 25.5.2015

3. Health industries in the Nordic countries (This picture is
already history!)
3

4. Record health tech exports in 2013
• Exports 1 661 milj. €
• Surplus 749 milj. €
4.6.2015 4

5. Innovation ecosystem strategy
Generation of
innovations
Knowledge base
Infrastructures
NetworksMarkets and
demand
Political alignments and
legislation
Funding of R&D
activities

6. 1. Inadequate development of university hospital
concentrations (especially from the RDI activity and
business partnerships’ perspective)
2. Lack of cooperation between universities (the general too
institution-centric approach)
3. Fragmentation of research institutions
4. Lack of quality and scale in the technology transfer
functions of public research institutions and universities
5. Lack of long term approach in growth funding
6. Fragmented research and innovation funding
7. Inefficient utilization of personal health data and patient
data
8. Weak coordination of health-related EU activities
9. Slow market entry for innovations, lack of piloting and
testing environments
10. Lack of systematic marketing of investment opportunities
6
Improvement needs in the ecosystem

7. Finland’s objective
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Finland’s objective is to be an internationally recognized forerunner in
health sector research and innovation activity, investments, and new
businesses which benefits people’s health, well-being and ability to
function.
This means that Finland is:
• A source and utilizer of diverse and scientifically high quality
research and innovations emerging therefrom
• A dynamic operational environment for young companies in
the field and a reliable environment for companies’
international growth
• An attractive location for health sector investments
• A model country for reconciliation of sustainable healthcare
system and innovation activities