National themes

Part of the funding provided for the Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021–2027 programme from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) has been allocated to the implementation of national themes. The national themes are strategically important development entities prepared under the leadership of the ministries, but their implementation takes place within the scope of the programme’s defined activities.

At most 23 per cent of overall ERDF funding and at most 20 per cent of ESF+ funding will be allocated to the national themes. The Economic Development Centres that carry out structural fund activities act as intermediate bodies under the national themes.

ERDF national funding is used for the theme “Innovation and competence networks”, prepared jointly by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Ministry of Education and Culture. In addition, funding is allocated to the themes “Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reductions”, “Climate change mitigation and adaptation”, and “Carbon-neutral circular economy society”, prepared by the Ministry of the Environment. Following a programme amendment made in connection with the mid-term evaluation, the theme “Secure Finland” has also been added to the programme. This theme was prepared jointly by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

The national themes under ESF+ funding have been prepared across administrative sectors in cooperation between three ministries: the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

The ESF+ themes that support employment highlight current issues, including matching in labour markets, improving access to employment for people with partial work ability, social entrepreneurship, the development of working life, and supporting the integration of immigrants.

The competence theme includes broad development areas, including the national themes of continuous learning and strengthening innovation skills in the creative industries.

The theme that supports inclusion covers the following development areas: “Developing services for children, young people and families, and promoting their wellbeing”, “Providing support for people with difficulties in finding a job”, “Promoting equality and non-discrimination, preventing disadvantages”, and “Support and coordination for inclusion, gender equality and non-discrimination in European Social Fund activities in 2021–2027”.

Descriptions of the national themes are available here. (in Finnish)