A delegation of Vietnamese scientists on Jan. 25 wrapped up a ten-day working trip to Finland to learn experiences in implementing scientific and technological communication activities.

The visit, organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, was part of the bilateral Innovation Partnership Programme (IPP) between Vietnam and Finland .

During the stay in Finland, Vietnamese experts had held talks with nearly 20 relevant Finnish agencies, including the Ministry of Education’s Committee of Public Information, the Foreign Ministry’s Policy Department, the University of Helsinki, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES) and the Finnish Innovation Fund (SITRA).

They also visited Helsingin Sanomat, a prestigious international edition of Finland , in order to learn its experience in designing a specialised page for scientific news.

Through the working sessions, representatives of the Finnish agencies showed a diversity of methods to promote scientific and technological communication.

Representatives of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they were willing to help Vietnam in encouraging innovations within the scientific and business circles and improving the capacity of scientific and technological management officers.

They also pledged to assist Vietnam to create an open dialogue forum for policy-makers and universities, institutes and businesses and a linkage between research and application of technologies for Vietnam and Finland .

Started in August 2009, the IPP will run until 2012 with a budget of 3 million EUR contributed by the Finnish government on a grant basis.

With a focus on strengthening Vietnam’s capacity in science, technology and innovation, the programme seeks to develop policies on science and technology, train personnel, strengthen the link between research and its application, and increase cooperation in science, technology and innovation between Vietnam and Finland./.