Subject: Systemic approach in Finland National Innovation Strategy

Posted by Bill Rathborne on 3/11/2009
In Reply To:Systemic approach in Finland National Innovation Strategy Posted by George Richardson on 3/11/2009

Message:

George,

Perhaps you are correct. The documents do however make significant reference to the importance of education. The Finnish report may include the K-12 group. The Canadian one, which is a Federal government document, politically, MUST stay away from references to primary and high school education since that is the domain of the provinces and noses quickly get out of joint. Although there are many indirect primary educational initiatives at the Federal level. The broad topic of "National Innovation Strategy" may not belong in either forum.

Bill


Finnish report - page 15:
6) A learning environment motivating innovation on a broad basis will be developed for Finland. The Finnish educational system will be developed so as to strengthen the general level of competence and support the development of special talents. Internationality, interactive skills, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation will be introduced at the core of teaching. An internationally top-level development environment for learning will be created in Finland.
Incentives and opportunities for proactive individual schooling and continuous learning will be enhanced in working life.

Canadian Report - page 46:
To create a People Advantage, the Government of Canada will:
• Enhance opportunities for S&T graduates.
• Increase the supply of highly qualified and globally connected S&T graduates that businesses need to succeed in today’s economy.
• Get Canadians excited about science and technology.

page 89:
The Government of Canada will do its part, and create a climate of innovation and discovery in our nation.
• For the business community, we will focus on what government does best; providing an enabling environment that promotes private investment in R&D, advanced technologies, and skilled workers.
• For the higher-education community, we will sustain our world- leading commitment to basic and applied research in all domains, while focusing that collective effort more effectively around societal goals that matter to Canadians. We will sustain our commitment to training the next generation of researchers and innovators, upon whom Canada’s future success depends.
• For Canadians, we will hold ourselves more accountable for delivering results that make a difference in their lives. Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada’s Advantage