Education and development of competence

Sustainable development requires the ability and interest of people to follow the development of society and the global community, to engage in discussion on the topic and to act in line with the conditions of sustainable development. People develop these skills and interests in their families, early childhood education and care, schools and educational institutions as well as leisure time.

The overall development of the level of education serves as an indicator of the development of competence at the population level. While the level of education is measured based on the numbers of qualifications completed in educational institutions of different levels, adult education and its various practices also develop competence.

Indicators selected by a network of experts

  1. The number of daycare centres, schools and educational institutions with a focus on sustainable development
  2. Life-long learning and participation in training
  3. Research and development costs, share of GDP
  4. Societal skills and literacy

Linkage to the objectives of Society’s Commitment to Sustainable Development

Equal prospects for well-being
A participatory society for citizens
Sustainable employment
A carbon-neutral society
A resource-wise economy
Lifestyles respectful of the carrying capacity of nature
Decision-making respectful of nature

Education and development of competence 2021
 Coronavirus pandemic reduced library visits

13.1.2022 13.39
Kuvituskuva artikkeliin. Kuva luokkahuoneessa työskentelystä.
The level of education of Finns is increasing slightly, but it is slow in relation to key reference countries. There are some worrying features in the development of young people’s skills as measured by the OECD as well as in adults’ participation in competence development. The closure of libraries due to the coronavirus pandemic reduced physical visits by 20 per cent. After a long period of decline, RDI investments have taken an upward turn. The PISA tests were postponed by one year, so there are no new test results.

Education and development of competence 2020
 Finns are active in developing their competence and making use of cultural services

12.4.2021 10.43
The level of education of Finns is increasing slightly, but it is slow in relation to key reference countries. There are some worrying features in the development of young people’s skills as measured by the OECD as well as in adults’ participation in competence development. Libraries are an important cultural service for Finns, and digital visits are constantly growing. After a long period of decline, RDI investments have taken an upward turn. Worrying developments can be observed in areas such as participation in adult education and in the PISA results of young people.

Education and development of competence 2019
 Young people increasingly concerned about climate change – and interested in politics

18.3.2020 11.16
Finland’s level of education has increased throughout its independence, but this upward trend has evened out over the past few decades. In the 2010s the education level of younger age groups has no longer increased. Participation in adult education is high by international standards but is unevenly divided by population groups. Finland’s traditionally excellent literacy rate has declined among young people over the past decade. Young people are concerned about climate change, while their interest in political influence is at its highest level in quite some time.

Education and development of competence 2017
 The level of education continues to rise, but will people's knowledge and skills suffice?

18.6.2018 12.07
Sustainable development requires the ability and interest of people to follow the development of society and the global community, to engage in discussion on the topic and to act in line with the conditions of sustainable development. People develop these skills and interests in their families, early childhood education and care, schools and educational institutions as well as leisure time.