The Education and Research Development Plan is the key document of the
Finnish education and research policy. The Development Plan is adopted by
the government every four years, and it directs the implementation of the
education and research policy goals stated in the Government Programme.
The Development Plan for 2011–2016 covers all forms of education from early
childhood to adult education as well as research conducted in universities
and polytechnics. Decisions on the contents of legislation on education and
research are made by the Parliament based on government proposals.