Description
In a relatively short time, Finland has transformed a society of approximately 5.3 million people into one of the most educated and technologically sophisticated in the world, while maintaining relative political stability and an enviable quality of life among its people. In all comparative measures of international achievement, Finland ranks at the top among the world窶冱 most literate and wealthiest countries. How did Finland do it, and what can other countries learn from the Finnish example?
This book presents an energized and informative look at Finland窶冱 cultural and developmental history, its political evolution as a state, the foundation and origins of its technology and innovation policy, and present developments in health care, education, and the pathway to sustainable economic development. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches, author Kalu Kalu incorporates rarely-seen archival data alongside analysis of original research surveys disseminated to members of the Finnish national legislature, personnel of the ministries of education and health, administrators in local government jurisdictions, and members of the general public. The result is a book that offers an incisive and analytical account of virtually all aspects of Finnish life 窶� ranging from culture, parliamentarianism, arts, architecture, design, literature, education and health policies, information technology, to the development of multipolis technology clusters and networks. Demonstrating how civic attitudes have evolved over time mediated by the pressures of technology and modernity, Technology, Culture, and Public Policy ultimately transcends an examination of Finland窶冱 own successes and challenges, considering what lessons other countries might apply to their own intricate national contexts.
Table of Contents
1. Suomi: The Making of a Culture
2. The State, Parliamentarianism, and Public Policy
3. Technology and Development: Public-Private Partnership
4. Economic Growth, Research, and Innovation Quality
5. Finnish Lessons: Nurturing Education
6. Health and Social Policy: Nordic Welfarism
7. Technopolitan Society: Enduring Value Change
8. Evolving Social Structure: Resiliency and Change
9. Of Black Swans and the Human Condition: The Committee for the Future
10. Finlandia: 窶楼ur Land窶� and a Postscript
