in content lists or on the content page.Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund, has published its strategy for the years 2010–2015. The strategy allows Sitra to position itself at the interface of the decision-making and innovation system as a constructive but bold social reformer. Sitra’s operations will be more strongly directed towards supporting broad social changes that aim to improve the overall well-being of citizens and to develop Finland as an international model of a sustainable society.
“Actors like Sitra are nowadays needed more than ever. Globalisation, an ageing population, climate change and the current economic crisis are resulting in Finland finding itself in an unprecedented situation in which we have to present completely new ways of creating both work and well-being in the country. Our new strategy will allow us to operate more effectively as a constructive challenger to society,” says Sitra’s President, Mikko Kosonen.
The overall well-being of citizens and social changes that will assist Finland emerge as an international pioneer in operating models focusing on sustainable development are ranked as Sitra’s most important strategic objectives.
“We must learn to better understand the factors underpinning future well-being and construct ways to increase well-being, while simultaneously reducing our energy consumption and especially our emissions. I believe that knowledge and products relating to a sustainable society could become an important economic pillar in the future,” says Kosonen.
“In practice this also means more clearly defining the division of tasks between the public and private sectors and developing new service models. If we continue with our current operating models, our tax base will not be enough to take care of an ageing population and provide welfare services. We aim to make service production more effective by diversifying the production methods under the supervision of the public sector. At the same time, new business operations that can succeed on the international market will be created and the tax base will increase,” says Kosonen.
Sitra aims to make these objectives a reality by promoting extensive, that is, systemic changes through its programme operations, and through foresight, pilot projects and business development.
Sitra’s current programmes include the Municipal Programme, Energy Programme and Growth Programme for the Mechanical Industry. The new programmes starting in the new year are the Public Management and Leadership Development Programme and the Landmarks Programme, which will develop rural areas as a resource for society.
“During the forthcoming strategy period, we will also invest in a new way in future intelligence activities, innovative pilot projects and programmes for smaller development programmes,” explains Mikko Kosonen about Sitra’s operating practices.