A national commitment to personalised medicine
For several decades, significant public funds have been invested in health research and Finland frequently sits at the top of international life sciences. However, the challenge is to translate research effort and investment into real societal benefits. To this end, the Finnish government is driving innovation in personalised medicine, with a biobank ecosystem at its core.
Clear government objectives to be recognised worldwide as:
- Source and user of versatile, high quality scientific research that leads to innovation and invention
- A dynamic operating environment for new companies in the field and a reliable partner for the international growth of companies
- An attractive target country for health sector investments
- A model country for consolidating a sustainable healthcare system with innovative activities
Advantages of Finland as a biobank location
Finland occupies a unique position as a biobank research location and has clear legislation to protect privacy and commercial confidentiality:
- Public healthcare system covering the entire population
- Longitudinal electronic health records
- Personal identification code used in all healthcare and social services
- Unique genepool and population-wide health registers
- Up-to-date research legislation
- Purpose-built network of biobanks, supported by the Biobank Act since 2013
- Generally positive attitude towards research
Universities and university hospitals have been challenged by government to deliver competence centres and ecosystems in biobanking, cancer research, genetic data and drug development to increase the efficiency and impact of ongoing and future research. More detailed information on Finland’s health strategy can be found here
