Educational Alternatives, Volume 13, 2015

Abstract: The study investigates Finnish education policy to develop higher education institutions to create an internationally recognized high profile. The study presents the empirical evidence of the profiles and focal areas of higher education institutions. The profile of higher education institutions is studied using the competitive strategies of focusing, differentiation and cost-efficiency and the Balanced Scorecard approach, which has been developed to communicate and implement strategic plans. Finnish education policy stresses the focus and differentiation strategies. Higher education institutions are encouraged to reallocate resources to achieve a high profile and differentiate activities to meet regional needs. New added value is created with the renewal of legislation and structures and reallocation of resources and activities to growth areas and closing down of unnecessary activities.