Finland's IT Workforce

Finland is taking a multi-pronged approach to developing and maintaining a world-class ICT workforce. Key to this is an emphasis on offering ICT education and training in as many venues as possible, so as to "reach" every element of Finnish society. Data from 1999 indicates that there were 103,000 workers employed in producing ICT goods and services, with an annual (formal) pipeline of around 5,300 new degree-holders. (31) As of 1999 there were approximately 53,200 people with a degree or qualification in information technology, telecommunication or media studies in Finland.(53)

A focus on ICT skills begins early in the Finnish education process. It continues through secondary education and then into post-secondary educational opportunities, whether they be vocational training, polytechnic and university degree programs and other non-degree opportunities such as employer-sponsored training. In regards to the latter, Some 40 % of employees take part in some type of extra training each year. A common subject is how to use computers (32). The approach is designed on utilizing all possible means, methods and opportunities to prepare workers for careers in the ICT sector.

Unlike many nations, Finland has an overall educational apparatus to make this a reality, with vocational, polytechnic and universities capable of competing on the international level. Finland, for instance, has made a very heavy investment in technology education via research and development efforts within its universities. It should be noted, however, that this investment has slipped somewhat in recent years: in 2001, R&D expenditures through universities amounted to $829 million euros, or 16% of total R&D, down from a high of 22% in 1991 and representing the lowest expenditure for the preceding 10 year period. (33)

This "slippage" in university R&D should be considered in light of increases in spending in other educational areas. (while there appears to be a correlation, it should be noted that there is no evidence of causality.) One area that received increased emphasis was polytechnics, which was only introduced to Finland during the 1990s. (34)

In spite of this emphasis, it appears that demand for ICT workers in Finland outstrips supply, with employers clamoring for more ICT-skilled employees than the educational system has the ability to produce. This is with 35% of all university and polytechnic students achieving educations in ICT or neighboring fields. (35) In 1999 Finland produced 5,300 graduates with degrees and qualifications in I/T and Media Studies, bringing the national total of graduates in this field to 73,800. At the time of the data, ICT was a growth sector, with new entrants into the sector's labor force in the previous two years numbering 56,500, exits numbering 30,400 for a total sector increase of 26,100 employees. Of these new entrants, 36% were drawn directly from the educational system, with 91% of ICT sector graduates finding jobs within the following year, compared to an overall total of 81% for all graduates. (31)