Research, development and innovation

A complex and constantly changing environment and the speed of societal change require the internal affairs administration to place ever greater emphasis on evidence-based decision-making. We must also become better at anticipating societal changes and future trends. The complex view based on up-to-date information and the need to achieve the shared objectives of the Ministry's branch of government also require a new kind of thinking in the Ministry of the Interior’s research, innovation and development

Ministry of the Interior’s RDI activities aim to: 

  1. ensure a diverse, shared knowledge base and overview of RDI in the Ministry’s branch of government 
  2. support decision-making in the Ministry of the Interior’s branch of government and the effectiveness of the measures through evidence-based information and new solutions 
  3. increase the usability of the information produced, for example in legislative drafting and the development of activities, education and services 
  4. broadly increase knowledge-based management in the preparation and implementation of areas such as the group strategy, performance targets and other strategic documents supporting the activities  
  5. improve the competence and understanding of a range of parties in the Ministry's branch of government concerning RDI and enable new initiatives and approaches 
  6. create diverse opportunities for working and doing things together and promote broad-based cooperation within the branch of government and with external collaborators and stakeholders.  

The Strategic Steering and Development Unit at the Ministry’s Administration and Development Department is responsible for the overall coordination of research matters. 

The Ministry’s research, development and innovation network has representatives from the Ministry of the Interior's departments, units directly under the Permanent Secretary and agencies in its branch of government. The network’s tasks include supporting the comprehensive development of internal security and the internal affairs administration, the making available of research findings and the promotion of innovative procurement. 

Extensive efforts to drive national development

Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities

The Prime Minister’s Office approves an analysis, assessment and research activities plan every year. Drawn up in cooperation with the ministries, it guides analysis and research towards specific priority areas selected by the Government.

For information about the Ministry of the Interior’s analysis, assessment and research projects, see www.tietokayttoon.fi

Strategic Research Council

The Strategic Research Council operates under the auspices of the Academy of Finland. The Council finances long-term problem-oriented and programme-based research that creates solutions to the major challenges facing Finnish society. The Government decides on the main research programme themes each year. 

The Ministry of the Interior also aims to follow and participate in topical strategic research projects.

International research collaboration

The Ministry of the Interior is actively involved in the work of the Civil Security for Society programme committee of Horizon Europe - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. Key topics of the Programme include fighting crime and terrorism, cybersecurity, border management, protection of infrastructure, and improving resilience in society.

The Ministry of the Interior participates in Nordic research collaboration and promotes bilateral research opportunities with several countries in strategically important areas.

Inquiries
You can contact us about projects of the Ministry of the Interior and its branch of government by email: [email protected]