Operating model and development needs for Team Finland growth programmes evaluated

Team Finland growth programmes offer a new tool for furthering internationalisation of SMEs. The findings of the growth programme evaluation published today indicate that enterprises are largely satisfied with the implementation of the programmes. However, there are significant differences in programme performance and points for further development in the operating model.

The Team Finland growth programmes were evaluated as part of the implementation of the 2016 Government plan for analysis, assessment and research. The evaluation was based on an electronic questionnaire circulated to enterprises (n=287), growth programme documentation and interviews with authorities, interest groups and enterprises.

The enterprise questionnaire included in the evaluation yielded mainly positive feedback on the growth programmes, but the programmes were also heavily criticised. While it is too early to assess long-term impacts, the findings show that the short-term results are promising.

At their best, growth programmes offer enterprises seeking internationalisation broader visibility in their target markets, up-to-date market information and important contacts, while promoting information exchange and cooperation with other enterprises in the same sector. The growth programmes have increased and intensified cooperation between actors in the Team Finland network, but this cooperation has to be further deepened in order to strengthen its enterprise-oriented approach and effectiveness.

The conclusions of the evaluation recommend that the growth programme project be continued beyond the current funding period. However, the funding and steering model should be revised so as to be more suitable for funding larger, more flexible and more experimental programmes than at present. The evaluators recommend closer cooperation and resource sharing between growth programmes, and also closer cooperation with other actors and service providers. There are several different programmes in progress, and the big picture appears fragmented to enterprises. It is also important to ensure that the programmes have access to the best possible expertise.

The evaluation now published is the first part of the investigation project entitled ‘How will Team Finland activities be developed to have more impact and be more customer-based?’ The evaluation was conducted by 4FRONT Oy together with The Evidence Network from Canada and Ramboll Management Consulting Oy.

The evaluation report (in Finnish)

Team Finland growth programmes are programmes funded by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy to support internationalisation of enterprises and to foster foreign investments and tourism in Finland.The total funding for the period 2014–2018 is EUR 74.1 million, of which EUR 9 million is being used for grants for enterprises to participate in international trade fairs.The first programmes were launched in 2014. At the moment, there are 37 programmes in progress.

The evaluation concerned export-promotion programmes implemented by Finpro that bring together enterprises by sector and build shared product and service offerings for international customers. At the time of the enterprise survey (May 2016), there were 21 such programmes in progress.

Further information: Senior Specialist Susanna Perko, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. 0295 160179 and Development Manager Vesa Salminen, 4FRONT Oy, tel. 040 1252370

Further information on the growth programmes

Further information on Team Finland

Further information about the Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities at tietokayttoon.fi.