Pelkonen, A: Finnish Competition State

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Finland underwent a profound restructuring that saw it change from a country deep in recession to a global model of the knowledge economy. At the same time, the Helsinki region transformed itself into one of the most competitive regions in Europe. This book examines policy changes related to these transformations, by analysing major shifts in state policies, urban strategies and university activity. At the level of national policies, the book traces adjustments in innovation, university, regional and information society policies. As regards urban- regional strategies, the emergence and characteristics of an urban competitiveness policy in the Helsinki region are scrutinised. //"This is, simply, an outstanding contribution to geopolitical economy." //Neil Brenner Professor of Sociology and Metropolitan Studies, New York University //"Pelkonen makes an important contribution to theoretical debates on state capacities and policy in science, technology and innovation. The empirical studies are expertly conducted." //Mats Benner Director, Research Policy Institute, Lund University