That thesis format is the norm in Finland in sciency fields and also in some arts. You can write a monograph (essentially a book) instead but that's frowned up

That thesis format is the norm in Finland in sciency fields and also in some arts. You can write a monograph (essentially a book) instead but that's frowned upon. Especially by admin because the papers bring the univerisity more money than monographs. Nowadays piles of inconsequential papers where you contributed little but your name is almost a requirement for a solid career. It's horrible.