Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and Sitra announce:
A national collaboration model is proposed for clinical trials, facilitating patient access to trials and bringing growth to Finland
A national collaboration model is being proposed for Finland to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders in clinical research and make it easier for patients to access new treatments. The FinTrials collaboration model also aims to strengthen Finland’s position as an attractive country for clinical trials and increase investments in the sector. The proposal was made by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra at the request of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
Finland could accelerate clinical trials through a “one-stop shop” model and shared systems and practices. This is outlined in Sitra’s publication FinTrials – National Framework for Clinical Drug Trials.
Finland has long been known for its high-quality healthcare and strong research expertise. However, the number of clinical drug trials conducted in recent years has clearly declined. Reasons for this development include fragmented operating models, insufficient national coordination, and slow and complex processes.
“To strengthen Finland’s position as an attractive country for clinical drug trials, we need more cooperation and national-level coordination. Many other European countries, especially the Nordic countries, have shown that national cooperation is an effective way to increase the number of clinical drug trials,” emphasises Petri Lehto, leader of Sitra’s DigiHealth project.
The report was prepared in close collaboration with university hospitals, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and other key stakeholders. The work was overseen by a steering group consisting of research directors from university hospitals and representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
The model is based on existing structures
The proposed collaboration model unites regional expertise in clinical trials with national-level coordination. It builds on existing structures and established practices, including ongoing work in wellbeing services counties.
In the FinTrials model, the national coordination unit connects the regional research units, utilises shared systems and metrics, and harmonises processes. This enables the smooth initiation of trials, efficient use of resources, and quality monitoring across the entire network.
This, in turn, supports the increase in the number of drug trials, thereby strengthening Finland’s healthcare, promoting the adoption of new treatments, and enhancing professional expertise. Additionally, drug trials generate over 200 million euros in annual investments for Finland, creating jobs and supporting the growth of the entire national economy.
The model will be implemented in phases
In the spring 2025 mid-term policy review, the government decided that Finland will establish a “one-stop shop” service for clinical trials modelled after Denmark’s Trial Nation.
“With the new one-stop shop service, we aim to strengthen Finland as an internationally competitive country for drug trials, promote clinical research and attract international investments to Finland. The initiative draws inspiration from Denmark, a country known for its achievements in clinical trials. Finland has strong potential for growth in the health sector, which will benefit patients through new medicines and treatments,” says Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen.
A group appointed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is advancing the proposal in collaboration with Fimea, Kela, and THL. Initially, the focus will be on further developing the model, establishing the coordination unit, and allocating funding. In the pilot phase, the model will be tested in selected regions, with phased implementation planned for 2025–2027.
The FinTrials proposal, prepared at the request of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, is part of the ministry’s coordinated RDI Growth Programme for Health and Wellbeing, which aims to accelerate renewal and growth in the sector.
Sitra’s DigiHealth project promotes the digitalisation of social and healthcare services using data, and AI.
Read more
- FinTrials – National Framework for Clinical Drug Trials
- RDI Growth Programme for Health and Wellbeing
Further information
Senior Lead Petri Lehto, Sitra, [email protected]
Program Director Päivi Sillanaukee, STM, [email protected]