Documentation of statistics Government R&D funding in the state budget
15.8.2022 valid documentation
Basic data of the statistics
Data description
The statistics concern government R&D funding. The statistics contain data on research and development funding granted in the state budget to public sector organisations. In addition to R&D funding in Finland, the statistics cover funding from international scientific organisations, research organisations and R&D programmes. Indirect funding such as R&D tax concessions is not included in the statistics. The variable of the statistics is the amount of R&D funding. R&D funding is examined by administrative branch, and according to the socioeconomic objective of the awarding organisation and research.
The starting point for the statistics is to assess the objectives of the central government and ministries in supporting research and development (R&D). Estimates of research funding are based on the appropriations in budget proposals, as well as on the granting authorisations of the awarding organisation. Funding is examined by budget year rather than by year of use. Changes occurring in R&D funding between different years are also examined. The purpose of the statistics is to determine the extent and allocation of government R&D funding.
The OECD and Eurostat recommendations are observed in the compilation of the statistics. The Statistics Act (280/2004) is applied in the production of statistics on science and technology. In addition, Commission Regulation (EC) No 753/2004 requires collection of data and steers the compilation of the statistics.
The starting point for the statistics is to assess the objectives of the central government and ministries in supporting research and development (R&D). Estimates of research funding are based on the appropriations in budget proposals, as well as on the granting authorisations of the awarding organisation. Funding is examined by budget year rather than by year of use. Changes occurring in R&D funding between different years are also examined. The purpose of the statistics is to determine the extent and allocation of government R&D funding.
The OECD and Eurostat recommendations are observed in the compilation of the statistics. The Statistics Act (280/2004) is applied in the production of statistics on science and technology. In addition, Commission Regulation (EC) No 753/2004 requires collection of data and steers the compilation of the statistics.
Statistical population
The target population includes all organisations that award government research funding.
Statistical unit
The statistical unit is ministries, agencies and other organisations, and central government research institutes.
Unit of measure
The unit of measure used in the statistics is EUR million.
Base period
Changes in expenditure in real terms are calculated using the price index of public expenditure produced by Statistics Finland (2010=100).
Reference period
The statistics on central government R&D funding are published annually. The R&D funding for the statistical reference year is based on the budget proposal submitted by the Government to Parliament. The statistics describe in particular R&D funding in the current state budget and its change from the previous year.
Reference area
The statistics cover the central government branch of administration, not municipalities or joint municipal authorities.
Sector coverage
The statistics cover state-funded R&D activities, and the population comprises central agencies, ministries and the research institutes under them.
Time coverage
The statistics on central government R&D funding have been compiled since 1975. The statistics were transferred directly from the Academy of Finland to Statistics Finland in 2002.
The date of publication of the preliminary data based on the budget proposal is February of the statistical reference year (t-10). The final data based on the approved revised budget are published in August (t+8). The preliminary data are revised later based on supplementary budgets and actual payment data. The aim is to produce a time series that is as complete as possible, and to make it available to data users as soon as possible. The final budgetary data are influenced not only by supplementary budgets but also by actual payment data.
The date of publication of the preliminary data based on the budget proposal is February of the statistical reference year (t-10). The final data based on the approved revised budget are published in August (t+8). The preliminary data are revised later based on supplementary budgets and actual payment data. The aim is to produce a time series that is as complete as possible, and to make it available to data users as soon as possible. The final budgetary data are influenced not only by supplementary budgets but also by actual payment data.
Frequency of dissemination
The statistics are published annually.
Concepts
R&D appropriation
Government R&D funding refers to appropriations and outlays for research and development in the state budget, i.e. intentions to spend money. Public funding for research and development includes R&D appropriations allocated to ministries, central government agencies and institutions. Development work of government-owned enterprises and municipalities is not included in the calculations.
Research and development activity
Research and experimental development (R&D) comprise creative and systematic work undertaken in order to increase the stock of knowledge – including knowledge of humankind, culture and society – and to devise new applications of available knowledge.
The five criteria for identifying R&D:
To be aimed at new findings (novel)
The aim of the R&D is to produce new knowledge and novelties. Mere application of the existing knowledge in development of new solutions, products or procedures is not R&D activity.
To be based on original, not obvious, concepts and hypotheses (creative)
Characteristic to R&D activity is creativity, setting and testing of new hypothesis and concepts. Routine activities in the development of products, processes or other procedures in not R&D activity.
To be uncertain about the final outcome (uncertain)
R&D involves uncertainty regarding outcomes and costs.
To be planned and budgeted (systematic)
R&D is conducted in a planned way, with records kept of both the process followed and the outcome. The purpose of the R&D project and the sources of funding for the R&D performed should be identified. R&D is often organized as a project, but it can also be goal-oriented activity of a person or a group.
To lead to results that could be possibly reproduced (transferable and/or reproducible)
An R&D project should result in the potential for the transfer of the new knowledge which also can be reproduced.
Distribution by type of R&D
Basic research is experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application or use in view.
Applied research is original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific, practical aim or objective.
Experimental development is systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and practical experience and producing additional knowledge, which is directed to producing new products or processes or to improving existing products or processes.
The five criteria for identifying R&D:
To be aimed at new findings (novel)
The aim of the R&D is to produce new knowledge and novelties. Mere application of the existing knowledge in development of new solutions, products or procedures is not R&D activity.
To be based on original, not obvious, concepts and hypotheses (creative)
Characteristic to R&D activity is creativity, setting and testing of new hypothesis and concepts. Routine activities in the development of products, processes or other procedures in not R&D activity.
To be uncertain about the final outcome (uncertain)
R&D involves uncertainty regarding outcomes and costs.
To be planned and budgeted (systematic)
R&D is conducted in a planned way, with records kept of both the process followed and the outcome. The purpose of the R&D project and the sources of funding for the R&D performed should be identified. R&D is often organized as a project, but it can also be goal-oriented activity of a person or a group.
To lead to results that could be possibly reproduced (transferable and/or reproducible)
An R&D project should result in the potential for the transfer of the new knowledge which also can be reproduced.
Distribution by type of R&D
Basic research is experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application or use in view.
Applied research is original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific, practical aim or objective.
Experimental development is systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and practical experience and producing additional knowledge, which is directed to producing new products or processes or to improving existing products or processes.
Socio-economic objective
Government budget appropriations or outlays for R&D are considered in the statistics according to the social policy (socio-economic) objective. The division of government R&D funding into different objectives depends on the viewpoint of the classifier, in this case the provider of funding. The definitions used in Finland are based on the NABS classification (Nomenclature for the Analysis and Comparison of Scientific Programmes and Budgets, rev. 2007):
Agriculture
Industrial production and technology
Energy
Transport, telecommunication and other infrastructures
Defence
Exploration and exploitation of the earth
Environment
Health
Education
Culture, recreation, religion and mass media
Political and social systems, structures and processes
General advancement of knowledge: R&D financed from other sources than GUF
General advancement of knowledge: R&D financed from general university funds (GUF)
Exploration and exploitation of space
Agriculture
Industrial production and technology
Energy
Transport, telecommunication and other infrastructures
Defence
Exploration and exploitation of the earth
Environment
Health
Education
Culture, recreation, religion and mass media
Political and social systems, structures and processes
General advancement of knowledge: R&D financed from other sources than GUF
General advancement of knowledge: R&D financed from general university funds (GUF)
Exploration and exploitation of space
State research institute
Research institutes attached to ministries are one of the main sources of information needed in social decision-making. There are currently 12 publicly financed research institutes in seven administrative sectors.
State research institutes, with abbreviations (administrative sector):
Finnish Institute of International Affairs, UPI (Parliament of Finland)
VATT Institute for Economic Research (Ministry of Finance)
Natural Resources Institute Finland LUKE (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)
Finnish Food Authority (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)
National Land Survey of Finland NLS (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)
Finnish Meteorological Institute (Ministry of Transport and Communications)
Geological Survey of Finland, GTK (Ministry of Employment and the Economy)
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd * (Ministry of Employment and the Economy)
Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, STUK (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health)
National Institute for Health and Welfare, THL (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health)
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, TTL (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health)
Finnish Environment Institute, SYKE (Ministry of the Environment)
* non-profit state enterprise with special tasks
The primary task of state research institutes, which are the main actors in sector research, is to acquire, produce and provide information as the basis for political decision-making and development of society. In addition to research duties the institutes have a varying number of different specialist, monitoring, training, guidance and other official functions, charged and other service activities and so on. Research institutes produce services horizontally to many different administrative sectors and to the rest of the public sector. They also provide services to businesses and to third sector operators.
The majority of research and development activities carried out in research institutes are financed with appropriations allocated in the state budget. In addition to budget funding R&D activities are increasingly financed by external funding consisting of income from charged services and funding from elsewhere than the institute's own budget classes. External funding mainly comes on a competitive basis from several sources and from both domestic public and private sectors and international sources. The share of external funding is based on the performance targets of the institutes and is thus estimated.
State research institutes, with abbreviations (administrative sector):
Finnish Institute of International Affairs, UPI (Parliament of Finland)
VATT Institute for Economic Research (Ministry of Finance)
Natural Resources Institute Finland LUKE (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)
Finnish Food Authority (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)
National Land Survey of Finland NLS (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)
Finnish Meteorological Institute (Ministry of Transport and Communications)
Geological Survey of Finland, GTK (Ministry of Employment and the Economy)
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd * (Ministry of Employment and the Economy)
Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, STUK (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health)
National Institute for Health and Welfare, THL (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health)
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, TTL (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health)
Finnish Environment Institute, SYKE (Ministry of the Environment)
* non-profit state enterprise with special tasks
The primary task of state research institutes, which are the main actors in sector research, is to acquire, produce and provide information as the basis for political decision-making and development of society. In addition to research duties the institutes have a varying number of different specialist, monitoring, training, guidance and other official functions, charged and other service activities and so on. Research institutes produce services horizontally to many different administrative sectors and to the rest of the public sector. They also provide services to businesses and to third sector operators.
The majority of research and development activities carried out in research institutes are financed with appropriations allocated in the state budget. In addition to budget funding R&D activities are increasingly financed by external funding consisting of income from charged services and funding from elsewhere than the institute's own budget classes. External funding mainly comes on a competitive basis from several sources and from both domestic public and private sectors and international sources. The share of external funding is based on the performance targets of the institutes and is thus estimated.
Accuracy, reliability and timeliness
Overall accuracy
The definitions and recommendations of the OECD are used in the compilation of the statistics. Research funding is compiled according to the budget year, not the year of use. R&D expenditure is the proportion of expenditure that is used to fund activities falling within the definition of R&D. However, despite the instructions and definitions provided, it is ultimately the respondent who decides what is considered R&D, which may lead to measurement errors. The statistics represent a total survey. In practice, non-response does not occur, because the respondents are contacted directly where necessary.
Timeliness
The preliminary data published in February describe the current year; the data collection takes place in November to December of the previous year.
Punctuality
The date of publication of the preliminary data based on the budget proposal is February of the statistical reference year (t-10). The final data based on the approved revised budget are published in August (t+8).
Comparability
Comparability - geographical
The results of the statistics on R&D funding are comparable in the OECD and EU Member States at aggregate level. The main differences between countries are reflected in the classification according to the socioeconomic objective of funding.
Comparability - over time
1995 External funding of research institutes is removed from the state R&D budget.
1997 University hospitals are included in the calculations.
2015 The Natural Research Institute Finland (Luke) is established following the merger of the MTT Agrifood Research Finland, the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla), the Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute (RKTL) and the statistical services of the Information Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Tike).
2016 The more specific sub-categories based on the Nordforsk classification are phased out, and the statistics are now broken down according to the NABS 2007 categories.
2018 Business Finland (former Tekes) commences operation. Universities of applied sciences are separated from other funding and given their own category.
2019 The Finnish Food Authority is established following the merger of Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, Agency for Rural Affairs (Mavi) and part of the Centre for ICT Services at the National Land Survey of Finland.
2020 The definition of R&D funding for universities is based partly on actual expenditure on research in previous years and partly on the share of research expenditure in the core funding of universities. Research funding is affected by the updating of the calculation method carried out in the statistical reference year 2017 and the resulting increase in actual research expenditure. In 2020, some research funding data from research institutes are affected by the updating of the calculation methods.
1997 University hospitals are included in the calculations.
2015 The Natural Research Institute Finland (Luke) is established following the merger of the MTT Agrifood Research Finland, the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla), the Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute (RKTL) and the statistical services of the Information Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Tike).
2016 The more specific sub-categories based on the Nordforsk classification are phased out, and the statistics are now broken down according to the NABS 2007 categories.
2018 Business Finland (former Tekes) commences operation. Universities of applied sciences are separated from other funding and given their own category.
2019 The Finnish Food Authority is established following the merger of Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, Agency for Rural Affairs (Mavi) and part of the Centre for ICT Services at the National Land Survey of Finland.
2020 The definition of R&D funding for universities is based partly on actual expenditure on research in previous years and partly on the share of research expenditure in the core funding of universities. Research funding is affected by the updating of the calculation method carried out in the statistical reference year 2017 and the resulting increase in actual research expenditure. In 2020, some research funding data from research institutes are affected by the updating of the calculation methods.
Coherence - cross domain
The statistics on R&D funding in the state budget describe public R&D funding; Statistics Finland’s statistics on research and development describe expenditure on R&D activities.
Coherence - internal
The public funding in the R&D expenditure statistics (outcome data) may not correspond to the public R&D funding (planned expenditure) in the R&D funding statistics. Unlike the research statistics, the R&D funding statistics also include membership fees and contributions to international organisations. The basic definition of ‘R&D activities’ is the same for both statistics.
Source data and data collections
Source data
State budget and supplementary budgets. Data are collected from ministries, agencies, government organisations and research institutes.
Data collection
The data are collected using an electronic questionnaire from central government organisations receiving and distributing government R&D funding. The data providers comprise funding organisations, agencies, ministries and research institutes under them. A research project can also be a statistical unit. Some data are obtained directly from the budget proposal.
Changes in expenditure in real terms are calculated using the price index of public expenditure produced by Statistics Finland (2010=100). The total central government expenditure and the expenditure less central government debt have been deflated using the total expenditure index. The deflator used in the case of research expenditure is the index of government consumption expenditure. The estimate of the cost increase is obtained from the Ministry of Finance.
The data to be submitted to the OECD and Eurostat for comparison purposes require accurate data on research funding in the ‘General advancement of knowledge’ category, broken down by discipline. The breakdown of the data concerning the ‘R&D funding for universities’ sub-category may be carried out after the completion of the R&D statistics (t+10), using the breakdown of expenditure by discipline in the higher education sector. The funding in the ‘General advancement of knowledge, other’ sub-category is broken down by discipline, using the Academy of Finland’s discipline-specific financial information, which is obtained from the Academy of Finland.
Changes in expenditure in real terms are calculated using the price index of public expenditure produced by Statistics Finland (2010=100). The total central government expenditure and the expenditure less central government debt have been deflated using the total expenditure index. The deflator used in the case of research expenditure is the index of government consumption expenditure. The estimate of the cost increase is obtained from the Ministry of Finance.
The data to be submitted to the OECD and Eurostat for comparison purposes require accurate data on research funding in the ‘General advancement of knowledge’ category, broken down by discipline. The breakdown of the data concerning the ‘R&D funding for universities’ sub-category may be carried out after the completion of the R&D statistics (t+10), using the breakdown of expenditure by discipline in the higher education sector. The funding in the ‘General advancement of knowledge, other’ sub-category is broken down by discipline, using the Academy of Finland’s discipline-specific financial information, which is obtained from the Academy of Finland.
Frequency of data collection
The data are collected annually.
Methods
Data compilation
The data are checked for inconsistencies and compared with the relevant budget item. The approved figures are broken down by administrative branch, organisation and socioeconomic objective category.
Data validation
The data are compared with the previous year’s responses and the budget. It is also checked that the budget item indicated is correct, and that there is no overlap between the contributions received from different organisations. The figures on R&D expenditure produced in the R&D statistics can be used to help verify the accuracy and correctness of the data. If necessary, the respondents are asked to provide further information.
Principles and outlines
Contact organisation
Statistics Finland
Legal acts and other agreements
The compilation of statistics is guided by the general act of the national statistical service, the Statistics Act (280/2004, amend. 361/2013). Only the necessary data that are not available from administrative data sources are collected from data suppliers. Index series are published so that no individual enterprise’s data or development can be deduced from them.
The OECD and Eurostat recommendations are observed in the compilation of the statistics. The Statistics Act (280/2004) is applied in the production of the statistics on science and technology (incl. research and development). In addition, Commission Regulation (EC) No 753/2004 requires collection of data and steers the compilation of the statistics.
The OECD and Eurostat recommendations are observed in the compilation of the statistics. The Statistics Act (280/2004) is applied in the production of the statistics on science and technology (incl. research and development). In addition, Commission Regulation (EC) No 753/2004 requires collection of data and steers the compilation of the statistics.
Confidentiality - policy
The data protection of data collected for statistical purposes is absolutely guaranteed in accordance with the Statistics Act (280/2004), the Personal Data Act (532/1999) and the Act on the Openness of Government Activities (621/1999), as well as the requirements of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (2016/679). The data materials are protected at all stages of processing with the necessary physical and technical solutions. Statistics Finland has compiled detailed directions and instructions for confidential processing of the data. Employees have access only to the data essential for their duties. The premises where unit-level data are processed are not accessible to outsiders. Members of the personnel have signed a pledge of secrecy upon entering the service. Wilful breaching of data protection is punishable.
Statistics Finland uses the data for the compilation of statistics. Data collected for statistical purposes must be kept confidential by virtue of Section 24, Paragraph 1, Sub-paragraph 16 of the Act on the Openness of Government Activities (621/1999). However, Section 12 of the Statistics Act provides for an exception for data on the activities of central and local government authorities. According to Section 12 of the Statistics Act, data describing the activities and public service production of central and local government authorities that are public based on other legislation are also public as statistical data.
Since data on government R&D funding concern a matter of substantial public interest, Statistics Finland has requested permission from central government research institutes to publish financial data on their R&D activities.
Statistics Finland uses the data for the compilation of statistics. Data collected for statistical purposes must be kept confidential by virtue of Section 24, Paragraph 1, Sub-paragraph 16 of the Act on the Openness of Government Activities (621/1999). However, Section 12 of the Statistics Act provides for an exception for data on the activities of central and local government authorities. According to Section 12 of the Statistics Act, data describing the activities and public service production of central and local government authorities that are public based on other legislation are also public as statistical data.
Since data on government R&D funding concern a matter of substantial public interest, Statistics Finland has requested permission from central government research institutes to publish financial data on their R&D activities.
Confidentiality - data treatment
According to the Statistics Act (280/2004), the data of the statistics are in the public domain.
Release policy
Statistics Finland’s release calendar lists in advance all the statistical data and publications to be released over the year. Statistical releases can be found under statistics-specific releases. Statistical data are released on the Internet at 8 am, unless otherwise indicated. The calendar is updated on weekdays. Statistics Finland’s release calendar for the coming year is published every year in December.
The date of publication of the preliminary data based on the budget proposal is February of the statistical reference year (t-10). The preliminary data are revised later based on supplementary budgets or actual payment data. The final data based on the approved revised budget are published in August (t+8). After all updates or additions, the final figures are submitted to the OECD and Eurostat.
A short press release is also published on the final revision of the preliminary data.
The date of publication of the preliminary data based on the budget proposal is February of the statistical reference year (t-10). The preliminary data are revised later based on supplementary budgets or actual payment data. The final data based on the approved revised budget are published in August (t+8). After all updates or additions, the final figures are submitted to the OECD and Eurostat.
A short press release is also published on the final revision of the preliminary data.
Data sharing
The results of the statistics on R&D funding in the state budget are published on the home page of the statistics on the due date. The links on the home page lead to the description of the statistics, concepts and definitions as well as free of charge statistical database tables (StatFin). Eurostat also publishes data on government budget allocations for R&D (GBARD) on its own website.
Accessibility and clarity
The statistical release ‘R&D funding in the state budget’ is published in the second half of February. Once the figures are final, a press release on the matter is published on the home page of the statistics. The revised data are also updated to the StatFin database.
Quality assessment
Quality assurance
When compiling statistics, Statistics Finland observes the European Statistics Code of Practice (CoP) and the Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) based on them. The Code of Practice concerns the independence and accountability of statistical authorities and the quality of processes and data to be published. The principles are in line with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics approved by the United Nations Statistics Division and are supplementary to them. The quality criteria of Official Statistics of Finland are also compatible with the European Statistics Code of Practice. The principles are also compatible with those of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM).
More information about this is available on Statistics Finland’s quality management pages.
Every year Statistics Finland conducts statistical auditing that helps to ensure the quality of statistics.
R&D funding in the state budget represents official statistics. The Official Statistics of Finland (OSF) is a comprehensive collection of statistics describing the development and state of society. It comprises nearly 300 sets of statistics on 26 different topics. The producers of Official Statistics of Finland have approved a common quality assurance in which they commit to common quality criteria and quality assurance measures. The quality criteria of Official Statistics of Finland are compatible with the European Statistics Code of Practice. The good practices followed in the statistics are presented in Statistics Finland’s Quality Guidelines for Official Statistics handbook.
User access
The data of the statistics are published in full on Statistics Finland’s website, where an electronic publication in PDF format is also available. The statistical release is published in Finnish, Swedish and English. Other material published on the website will be in Finnish and in English. Separate reports are produced at customers’ request.