Parliamentary Election 2027

Parliamentary Election 2027

Finland's success lies in technology. Discover TEK's solutions for building Finland's success.

Finland needs growth. That can be achieved through cooperation.

Now is the time for us to turn our attention together to creating growth, added value, and newproductivity. A sufficient number of skilled professionals, the ability to attract talent fromelsewhere, ideas and concepts worth implementing, and the capacity to invest will determineFinland’s future.

A functional and organized working life also plays a key role. Employees who are thriving are moremotivated and committed to their work. The industrial peace guaranteed by an organized workinglife provides companies and their management with greater visibility into the future.

Finland’s success is not just a technical discipline, but also a team sport.

Jari Jokinen

CEO, TEK

Finland's success depends on skilled workers and education

Lay the foundation for skills at the beginning of the educational pathway

Support for mathematics learning must be increased, particularly in the early years of elementary school, in order to reverse the decline in learning outcomes.

Learning outcomes in technology and the natural sciences rely heavily on a strong foundation in mathematics, but mathematics learning outcomes at the elementary level have declined alarmingly over the course of the 2000s. Learning outcomes must be turned around across the board, for both lower-performing and top-performing students.

Particular attention must be paid to the early stages of elementary school to ensure that all students build a sufficient foundation for future success. Education must be of high quality, sufficient resources must be allocated to it, and teachers must be guaranteed access to professional development.

For more details about the goal
Tapio Heiskari
osaamispolitiikan asiantuntija
tapio.heiskari@tek.fi
+358 40 7062 254

Resources for the Science Olympiad and other science and technology competitions must be secured, and interest in mathematics and the natural sciences must be supported.

Various competitions, such as the Science Olympiad, are an essential factor in promoting proficiency in mathematics and the natural sciences. The funding base for these competitions must be secured.

In addition to competitions, local club activities organized by associations and various contests support learners at all levels, from those needing support to top performers. Close cooperation with schools and the professional community ensures that third-sector funding is effectively targeted toward the right causes.

For more details about the goal
Tapio Heiskari
osaamispolitiikan asiantuntija
tapio.heiskari@tek.fi
+358 40 7062 254

The implementation of AI tools that support learning in schools and educational institutions must be explored.

AI has burst onto the scene in workplaces and our society. Schools cannot be excluded from this development. AI-based tools have great potential in terms of student learning, easing the teacher’s workload, and streamlining administration. At the same time, the risks associated with the application of AI must be recognized.

The use of these tools must be based on scientific evidence and sound pedagogical judgment. Naturally, information security and the management of personal data must be carefully ensured.

For more details about the goal
Tapio Heiskari
osaamispolitiikan asiantuntija
tapio.heiskari@tek.fi
+358 40 7062 254

Raise productivity through skills development

The tax deduction for skills development in personal income tax should be expanded. To replace the discontinued adult education subsidy, a new form of support should be developed that is more targeted but still enables skills development.

A key means of encouraging skills development is to re-examine the treatment of training costs in individual taxation. Current guidelines allow for the development of skills needed in one’s current job. However, there is a need for a significantly more flexible system that opens up opportunities for individuals to explore new areas of expertise, prepare for future job roles, and change fields. Individuals should be able to deduct the costs of their skills development without the deduction being directly tied to their current job.

The previously abolished adult education allowance was a highly flexible system that enabled skills development in various life situations. A more targeted solution must be found to replace it—one that works for users but does not place an unnecessary burden on public finances.

For more details about the goal
Tapio Heiskari
osaamispolitiikan asiantuntija
tapio.heiskari@tek.fi
+358 40 7062 254

Efforts to make it easier to study while receiving unemployment benefits must continue so that skills development can be flexible and effective.

When unemployment strikes, many people quickly begin to consider their training options. Opportunities for skills development do exist, but unfortunately, the bureaucracy surrounding unemployment benefits often becomes a barrier.

The conditions for training during unemployment must be relaxed so that job seekers available to the labor market can update their skills in the way they deem best.

For more details about the goal
Tapio Heiskari
osaamispolitiikan asiantuntija
tapio.heiskari@tek.fi
+358 40 7062 254

Strengthen research capabilities and maintain the quality and quantity of higher education

Finland’s educational attainment must be raised systematically, without compromising on quality, toward a 60% higher education attainment rate. Current degree titles must be retained, and their significance must not be altered.

The unit costs of higher education—that is, the cost per degree awarded—have fallen sharply over the past 15 years. This trend must be halted. Higher education must be adequately funded to ensure that the quality of degrees is maintained and that there is no need to compromise on competence. A parliamentary consensus on the funding of educational investments is needed to make it possible to achieve these goals.

From a regional perspective, the most sensible education policy is to train skilled professionals where the infrastructure is in place and the operating environment has proven to be effective. At the same time, current degree titles must be retained, as they reflect the content of the education.

For more details about the goal
Tapio Heiskari
osaamispolitiikan asiantuntija
tapio.heiskari@tek.fi
+358 40 7062 254

Basic funding for universities must be increased to enable them to recruit a permanent, high-caliber research staff. The mobility of researchers between universities, research institutes, and the business sector must be facilitated.

The innovation chain in society requires high-level research at its outset. In order for universities to carry out their research mission effectively, they need more permanent research staff, such as professors. Hiring high-caliber researchers on a permanent basis strengthens universities’ ability to conduct long-term research and produce internationally competitive results with project funding.

Facilitating the mobility of researchers and experts between universities and companies is also essential for improving Finland’s innovation capacity. This can be promoted by providing funding for companies spun out of universities. By facilitating mobility through, for example, more flexible employment models, joint research projects, and incentives, Finland can build a truly networked RDI ecosystem in which research supports the renewal of the business sector and vice versa.

For more details about the goal
Mikko Särelä
innovaatio- ja elinkeinopolitiikan asiantuntija
mikko.sarela@tek.fi
+358 44 5264 556

Studying, graduation, and employment must be supported by adequate support services and instruction in the national languages.

Increasing the number of students requires that degrees can be completed within a reasonable time and that graduates can transition smoothly into full-time employment. Universities must offer academic and career counseling to those who need it. We can no longer compromise on the resources needed to organize education.

For more details about the goal
Tapio Heiskari
osaamispolitiikan asiantuntija
tapio.heiskari@tek.fi
+358 40 7062 254

Boost students’ confidence in the future

We must ensure a peaceful study environment by guaranteeing a flexible income, a sufficient number of student housing units, and access to mental health services.

According to TEK’s student survey, finding summer jobs has become more challenging, and even recent graduates face uncertainty regarding employment. Students are therefore increasingly forced to rely solely on financial aid, particularly student loans.

At the same time, there is a shortage of affordable student housing, especially in major university cities, which further complicates students’ financial situation. A sufficient supply of affordable student housing can be ensured by supporting housing construction, including renovation.

According to TEK’s student survey, 46% of engineering students were often or constantly worried about their well-being. The key to managing well-being and resolving mental health issues is quick access to low-threshold services.

For more details about the goal
Ida Parkkinen
opiskelijatoiminnan asiantuntija
ida.parkkinen@tek.fi
+358 400 984545

Sustainable solutions must be developed to address the rapidly growing student debt burden.

According to Kela statistics, in 2024, a student graduating with a master’s degree had an average student loan debt of approximately 24,000 euros, a figure that is several times higher than it was just a few years ago. In the 2024 Health Survey of University Students (Kott), 70 percent of students who took out student loans reported that the loan was used for necessary living expenses.

The burden of student loan debt weighs heavily on recent graduates at the start of their careers and increases feelings of uncertainty. Personal debt also undermines the courage to invest and, for example, to become an entrepreneur. Sustainable solutions must be developed to address students’ growing debt burden. This can be addressed through student loan interest rate protection, by reviewing the annual student loan repayment amount, and by adjusting the repayment amount to reflect the average student loan debt.

For more details about the goal
Ida Parkkinen
opiskelijatoiminnan asiantuntija
ida.parkkinen@tek.fi
+358 400 984545

Finland's success depends on productivity, fair taxation, and growing businesses

Develop a more incentive-based tax system

Income taxes must be reduced to encourage work and risk-taking.

Hard work and rewarding effort are integral to Finnish society. As our population ages, we need more and more skilled workers for the right jobs. Reducing individual income taxes encourages people to advance in their careers, take on more responsible roles, and strive for a better livelihood. When the best talent is placed in sufficiently challenging roles, the labor market functions effectively and corporate productivity increases.

For more details about the goal
Juhani Nokela
yhteiskuntasuhdejohtaja
juhani.nokela@tek.fi
+358 40 7547 459

The use of R&D tax incentives must be clarified, particularly from the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Taxation must be predictable and competitive, and it must encourage risk-taking and business growth. Supporting companies in building up their equity and strengthening their balance sheets creates the conditions for growth entrepreneurship.

If a company has made an investment decision but the costs of the investment fall in the year following the generation of profit, it should be possible to claim an advance depreciation. This would mean that a company could allocate depreciation to the year preceding the cost by filing an advance notice. If the investment does not materialize for some reason, the advance depreciation would lapse, and the government would collect the funds in the next tax year.

The tax treatment of investments in intangible assets, such as personnel, and the possibility of claiming depreciation in the same manner as for fixed assets must be clarified.

For more details about the goal
Martti Kivioja
yrittäjyysvastaava
martti.kivioja@tek.fi
+358 9 2291 2206

The tax deduction for membership dues paid to employee and employer associations must be reinstated.

Removing the tax deduction for membership dues paid to employee and employer associations was a mistake. These associations help their members by providing legal assistance, guiding them toward new career paths, and helping them develop their skills. Many of these services are tax-deductible when purchased from other sources. Furthermore, the organization of workers and employers promotes a proven, agreement-based Finnish society that is stable, fair, and predictable.

For more details about the goal
Juhani Nokela
yhteiskuntasuhdejohtaja
juhani.nokela@tek.fi
+358 40 7547 459

Grow the businesses essential to prosperity

Business growth must be supported by increasing opportunities for citizens to participate in venture capital investment.

For companies in the startup and early-growth phases, access to venture capital is a critical issue. If financing cannot be obtained in Finland, high-growth companies are easily sold abroad.

Therefore, it is necessary to increase private equity investment focused on early-stage business activities. One way to bring more capital into the market is to make it easier not only for so-called business angels but also for other private individuals to participate in private equity investing with even smaller amounts, for example through funds.

For more details about the goal
Martti Kivioja
yrittäjyysvastaava
martti.kivioja@tek.fi
+358 9 2291 2206

We must maintain the 4% R&D investment target and develop a plan to further increase these investments in the 2030s.

Finland has long lagged behind its peer countries, such as Sweden and Germany, in research and development (R&D), where R&D spending has been relatively higher and on a steady growth trajectory. In recent years, Finland has committed to increasing R&D investments, for example through the R&D Funding Act. We must maintain this momentum to lay the groundwork for future growth. Research and development requires a long-term and strategic approach. R&D funding must be strengthened in the 2030s.

For more details about the goal
Mikko Särelä
Innovaatio- ja elinkeinopolitiikan asiantuntija
mikko.sarela@tek.fi
+358 44 5264 556

Business subsidies should be directed toward supporting companies focused on growth and international markets, as well as new innovations.

The focus of the business support system should be shifted toward supporting companies aiming for growth and international markets, and the support should be reformed so that it increases companies’ intangible investments and supports new business opportunities and innovations.

Business subsidies should serve as temporary catalysts used to generate new business areas, support RDI activities, foster collaboration between companies, universities, and research institutes, and enhance international competitiveness.

For more details about the goal
Martti Kivioja
yrittäjyysvastaava
martti.kivioja@tek.fi
+358 9 2291 2206

Create economic growth and self-sufficiency through green growth

To boost exports and economic growth, Finland must become a more attractive destination for green investments by ensuring self-sufficiency in the necessary expertise and the availability of clean energy.

The green transition is a major economic opportunity for Finland, provided that the conditions for sustainable growth are guaranteed. A skilled workforce, access to clean energy, and robust energy networks are key factors in attracting new investments to Finland.

Let us stick to Finland’s carbon neutrality target for 2035. Let us strengthen measures to halt biodiversity loss, ensure that higher education meets the skills needs of the green transition, and continue to invest in electricity grids and cross-border transmission connections on a market-based basis.

For more details about the goal
Jussi-Pekka Teini
Engineering Sustainability
jussi-pekka.teini@tek.fi
+358 40 7059 755

The EU’s material self-sufficiency and resilience must be strengthened by developing circular economy markets.

The circular economy offers solutions that reduce dependence on virgin raw materials and lessen the environmental impact. Repair, reuse, and material circulation create jobs and reduce emissions, but current taxation and legislation do not sufficiently support these activities.

Promoting the circular economy requires the creation of circular economy markets. Domestic measures to promote the circular economy are essential, but Finland’s internal market is small, so the circular economy is best advanced by pushing for an ambitious EU circular economy policy.

For more details about the goal
Jussi-Pekka Teini
Engineering Sustainability
jussi-pekka.teini@tek.fi
+358 40 7059 755

EU-wide emissions trading must be expanded to cover the transport sector and other major emitting sectors, ensuring that polluters pay and that carbon sequestration is compensated.

The EU’s unified emissions and circular economy regulations play a key role in creating demand for export products and services that generate sustainable growth for Finland. It is inevitable that demand for environmental solutions will also grow in global markets.

Emissions trading has proven its effectiveness as a market-based and technology-neutral means of reducing emissions cost-effectively. We should continue the current EU emissions trading system for energy production and industry and introduce emissions trading for buildings and transport, emissions trading for agriculture, and an instrument that rewards carbon sequestration in the land use sector. Technical carbon sinks should be integrated into the EU’s emissions trading system for energy production and industry. In the long term, emissions trading for energy production and industry, as well as for buildings and transportation, should be combined.

For more details about the goal
Jussi-Pekka Teini
Engineering Sustainability
jussi-pekka.teini@tek.fi
+358 40 7059 755

Ensure responsible use of artificial intelligence in the public sector

Artificial intelligence must be leveraged in public administration processes to support smooth and responsible governance.

The public sector plays a key role both as an enabler and a user of artificial intelligence. It can accelerate the adoption of AI and create demand for new solutions.

The productivity benefits of AI require investments in expertise and technology adoption. Technology is evolving rapidly, so the public sector must avoid vendor lock-in when adopting AI.

For more details about the goal
Mikko Särelä
innovaatio- ja elinkeinopolitiikan asiantuntija
mikko.sarela@tek.fi
+358 44 5264 556

AI literacy must become a civic skill.

Artificial intelligence is already a technology widely used by businesses and citizens. In addition to knowing how to use it, it is important that Finns understand how AI technology works, what it is suitable for, and what kinds of challenges are associated with its use.

AI literacy means that Finns understand the basics of how AI works and are able to independently evaluate its outputs.

For more details about the goal
Mikko Särelä
innovaatio- ja elinkeinopolitiikan asiantuntija
mikko.sarela@tek.fi
+358 44 5264 556

AI tools must be utilized in social and health services to free up staff time for client work.

The public sector plays a key role both as an enabler and a user of AI. Finland is already one of the world’s leading countries in the automation of individual tax payments. We should develop and expand this type of thinking to routine decisions in the public sector, such as those related to Kela benefits.

For more details about the goal
Mikko Särelä
innovaatio- ja elinkeinopolitiikan asiantuntija
mikko.sarela@tek.fi
+358 44 5264 556

Finland's success depends on a well-functioning workforce and mental well-being in the workplace

Evolve labour laws in step with the changing world of work

Remote and hybrid work must be defined in legislation, and the right to disconnect from work and remain unreachable during leisure time must be enshrined in law.

Finnish labor legislation has fallen behind in terms of workplace flexibility. Agreements on forms of work must be enshrined in legislation, for example through regular dialogue. On the other hand, employees’ legal protection must be improved by extending the Act on Occupational Accidents and Occupational Diseases to also cover remote work.

From the perspective of workplace well-being, it is also essential to grant employees the right to disconnect from work and spend leisure time that allows for recovery. Changes to legislation leave room for local solutions negotiated through workplace cooperation.

For more details about the goal
Teemu Hankamäki
työmarkkinajohtaja
teemu.hankamaki@tek.fi
+358 9 2291 2219

The use of non-solicitation agreements must be restricted and compensation for wrongful termination of employment contracts must be increased.

The use of non-solicitation agreements, which has become more common in recent years, must be restricted. The functioning of the labor market is impaired when labor mobility suffers. The Employment Contracts Act must be reformed to restrict the use of non-solicitation agreements and to require companies to pay compensation for their use.

Uncertainty in the workplace has increased as employees’ protection against dismissal has been weakened. Therefore, it is reasonable to increase the compensation payable for unlawful dismissal.

For more details about the goal
Teemu Hankamäki
työmarkkinajohtaja
teemu.hankamaki@tek.fi
+358 9 2291 2219

The labor dispute mediation system must be strengthened.

Labor dispute mediation needs to be improved. The mediation system should establish a shared understanding of the situation prior to the negotiation round, account for the impact of sector-specific differences, require the parties to submit their objectives to the mediator in a timely manner, and increase the resources of the mediation office.

For more details about the goal
Teemu Hankamäki
työmarkkinajohtaja
teemu.hankamaki@tek.fi
+358 9 2291 2219

Make the Finnish workplace more equitable

The gender pay gap must be narrowed by further developing the family leave system.

Family leave policies have been reformed, with some success. However, family leave should be distributed even more evenly to promote well-being in both families and the workplace, for example, according to the 6+6+6 model.

The family leave system also remains unnecessarily rigid. Under the current system, authorities may even refuse to serve family members because the system lacks flexibility. For example, a nuclear family should be able to include more than two parents, and gender-based statistics should be omitted.

On the other hand, flexibility is not being utilized sufficiently. Taking part-time parental leave can be too complicated for both employers and employees. Issues related to its use must be addressed, and solutions based on them must be implemented to increase awareness and promote a smooth daily life for families.

For more details about the goal
Sirkku Pohja
työelämäasiantuntija
sirkku.pohja@tek.fi
+358 9 2291 2216

The operating conditions of the authorities responsible for enforcing labor regulations must be strengthened so that they are better able to carry out their duties.

In Finnish society, regulatory authorities must be able to carry out the tasks assigned to them. The tasks and authority of the various authorities should be clarified so that decisions are made transparently and systematically. Currently, for example, a decision made by the police may lead to an unlawful dismissal, even though it should not take precedence over decisions made by other authorities in the hierarchy. Safeguarding individual rights in the actions of authorities must be the top priority, both in terms of enforcing the rules of the workplace and in other official decisions.

For more details about the goal
Sirkku Pohja
työelämäasiantuntija
sirkku.pohja@tek.fi
+358 9 2291 2216

Age discrimination in the workplace must be addressed.

Age discrimination in the workplace affects employees of all ages in different ways. Decisions are not always made on objective grounds; rather, age, other generalized characteristics, and preconceptions may have an undue influence.

Discrimination could be addressed, for example, by expanding the employer’s burden of proof in potential discrimination cases. Measures to facilitate youth employment have an impact on the entire working life and thus on the national economy for decades. The employment of older workers, on the other hand, is clearly a windfall for the welfare state.

For more details about the goal
Sirkku Pohja
työelämäasiantuntija
sirkku.pohja@tek.fi
+358 9 2291 2216

Promote mental well-being in the workplace

We must invest in mental health services for young people and students by strengthening the operating conditions of the third sector.

The key to coping and resolving mental health issues is quick access to low-threshold services. On the other hand, young people nearing the end of their studies and at the start of their careers need a wide range of support services, such as career guidance and support for networking, to develop their workplace skills. This requires extensive cross-sectoral cooperation, which is why it must be ensured that organizations working with young people have sufficient conditions and resources to support their well-being.

Funding for organizations engaged in important preventive and constructive work has been cut. Third-sector actors must be supported financially to improve service levels, so that students and young people can access help flexibly and with low barriers to entry.

For more details about the goal
Ida Parkkinen
opiskelijatoiminnan asiantuntija
ida.parkkinen@tek.fi
+358 400 984545

Psychosocial stress must be prevented, and occupational health services must be strengthened.

The ageing population of Finland cannot afford a single case of unnecessary early retirement.

Employers must be required to prevent and manage psychosocial stress among employees. This helps prevent problems in advance and promotes the maintenance of work ability. Occupational health plays a key supporting role.

Employees’ opportunities to manage their own overall workload should also be developed.

For more details about the goal
Sirkku Pohja
työelämäasiantuntija
sirkku.pohja@tek.fi
+358 9 2291 2216

Finland's success depends on international talent

Build a future together with international experts

Finland needs to establish a points-based system that allows international professionals to obtain a permanent residence permit without having previously lived in the country.

Finland needs a points-based immigration pathway through which highly educated experts can immediately obtain a permanent residence permit when moving to Finland. Points could be awarded, for example, for expertise in sectors facing labor shortages, education, and language skills. Permanent residence is a significant draw that also provides psychological security, enabling immigrants to, for example, start a business or change jobs.

For more details about the goal
Owain Hopeaketo
Project Manager, International Experts
owain.hopeaketo@tek.fi
+358 46 954 7718

The participation of international professionals in the labor market must be promoted by improving employment services and preventing discrimination.

Discrimination in the labor market must be addressed by strengthening equality legislation, introducing anonymous recruitment in the public sector, and improving support for language learning in the workplace.

The support provided by employment services must be timely and well-targeted also for highly educated experts. In addition, foreign qualifications should be better recognized.

For more details about the goal
Owain Hopeaketo
Project Manager, International Experts
owain.hopeaketo@tek.fi
+358 46 954 7718

The exploitation of international professionals in the labor market must be addressed by eliminating the 3/6-month rule and the barrier to obtaining citizenship for those who have received unemployment or income support.

The three- or six-month rule has had far-reaching consequences. By creating uncertainty and fear about the future, it has led to proactive decisions to seek work abroad. The rule has also increased the risk of exploitation of international professionals in the labor market.

In addition, a barrier to obtaining citizenship has been introduced if one has relied on unemployment benefits for more than three months within the past two years. This barrier unfairly penalizes unemployment and provides employers with a new potential means of exploitation.

If these rules are not abolished, they must at least be made more flexible to reduce the fear of deportation and the risk of exploitation.

For more details about the goal
Owain Hopeaketo
Project Manager, International Experts
owain.hopeaketo@tek.fi
+358 46 954 7718

The language skills of international students must be developed through high-quality language instruction and by establishing connections to the workforce while they are still in school.

International students and recent graduates need services tailored to their needs so that the path to entering the Finnish workforce is as clear as possible.

Proficiency in the local languages facilitates the employment of international graduates and their integration into Finnish society. During their university studies, students should have the opportunity to develop their language skills. This can be achieved through high-quality language instruction aimed at a high level of proficiency, which can be flexibly integrated into the degree program.

For more details about the goal
Ida Parkkinen
opiskelijatoiminnan asiantuntija
ida.parkkinen@tek.fi
+358 400 984545

Keywords:

elections, influencing, society