Transformation Towards a Learning Economy. The Challenge for the Finnish Innovation System

The globalisation of markets, liberalisation and deregulation of national economies, as well as the broad diffusion of modern information and communications technologies have dramatically changed the business environment. Although price, time and quality still play a very important role in business, the capability to learn and innovate has become the key factor in global competition. In order to meet the new market requirements, companies have to restructure their business organisation fundamentally, and turn themselves into learning organisations. However, companies do not innovate in isolation; their success in global innovation competition is highly dependent on the surrounding network of supportive organisations and institutions. Hence, the success of companies, regions and nations in global competition depends on the continuous development of the national system of innovation. The book analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the Finnish innovation system, containing both theoretical and empirical contr