Finland’s Digital Compass
October 2020
Strategies and Action Plans
Author: The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
The Digital Compass, Finland’s national strategic roadmap extending to 2030, seeks to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by digitalization and the data economy. It emphasises aligning societal and global goals across four key areas: cultivating a digitally skilled population, building robust digital infrastructure, advancing business digitalization, and enhancing public services.
Objectives
Finland’s strategy centers on creating a society that is digitally skilled, connected through secure and sustainable infrastructure, and driven by data-powered innovations in businesses and public services. The approach emphasises the role of digitalization in fostering inclusivity, economic growth, and global competitiveness.
Goals:
- Improve digital literacy across all demographic groups.
- Ensure the availability of secure and efficient digital infrastructure.
- Promote digital adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Enhance citizen-centric public digital services.
Measures:
- Invest in continuous learning programs to reduce digital exclusion.
- Develop energy-efficient ICT systems and nationwide 5G coverage.
- Provide funding and incentives for SMEs to adopt data-driven tools.
- Create a one-stop digital access point for government services.
Leadership and governance
The plan emphasises inter-ministerial collaboration through a dedicated ministerial group and digital office. These bodies ensure streamlined strategies across government sectors. Significant investments are outlined for infrastructure development, workforce skills training, and research and development initiatives. Finland also aligns its national efforts with the European Union’s Digital Decade 2030 program, leveraging regional collaboration for funding and expertise.
Global context and Finland’s role
Finland aspires to lead in creating environmentally sustainable digital solutions. The plan promotes the country as a trust-based digital society and an active contributor to the global data economy. Participation in multinational initiatives, such as building data infrastructure and enhancing cybersecurity, highlights Finland’s role in the European Union’s broader digital strategy.
Implementation and collaboration
The success of the Digital Compass relies on collaborative efforts among public institutions, private enterprises, and academic organisations. Monitoring tools, like the digital portfolio (digisalkku), guide the progress of key initiatives and ensure alignment with defined goals. Milestones are established to track success and adapt strategies where necessary.
Challenges and opportunities
Finland recognises several challenges in its digital transformation journey. These include bridging digital divides, increasing ICT investments, and addressing cybersecurity threats. However, opportunities abound in promoting data-sharing frameworks, enhancing cross-sector collaboration, and developing innovative exports.