Laitetukien

Laitetukien is a policy concept used to describe subsidies or grants provided by government or public bodies to support the purchase, rental, or upgrading of equipment. The term combines Finnish laite (device) and tuki (support). It appears in policy discussions within Finland and other Nordic contexts and is sometimes used more broadly to refer to device subsidies in different sectors. It is not a single, uniform program but a family of related mechanisms.

Programs labeled as laitetukien typically target capital-heavy procurements, such as medical devices, assistive devices for people with disabilities, laboratory and educational equipment, industrial machinery, and energy-efficient technologies. Eligibility often depends on sector (public, non-profit, or SME ownership), income or need criteria, and alignment with policy goals. Grants may cover part of the purchase price, installation, maintenance, or training, and they may require co-financing, performance milestones, or compliance with standards.

Administration usually rests with a ministry, regional authority, or specialized agency, with defined application periods and reporting obligations. Evaluations track indicators such as procurement volumes, productivity, service quality, or energy savings, and may assess cost-effectiveness. Critics highlight bureaucratic complexity, limited reach, and risk of misallocation, while supporters argue that laitetukien can accelerate modernization, reduce long-term operating costs, and expand access to essential equipment.