Finland’s national roadmap | EU digital decade policy programme 2030
February 2024
Policy Reports
Author: Ministry of Transport and Communications
Finland’s national roadmap for the eu digital decade policy programme 2030 outlines the country’s strategic plan to align with the European Union’s ambitious goals for digital transformation by 2030. The policy stems from the EU’s Digital Decade Policy Programme, which sets specific targets for digitalization across the EU, including improvements in infrastructure, digital skills, business digitalization, and the modernisation of public services. Finland’s roadmap reflects its commitment to achieving these goals while addressing national priorities and challenges.
The purpose of the roadmap is twofold: to ensure Finland contributes to the EU’s shared vision for a digitally advanced Europe and to leverage digital transformation as a catalyst for national growth and resilience. It builds on Finland’s existing strengths in digital skills, public service efficiency, and technological innovation while addressing critical challenges like skills shortages, rural connectivity gaps, and the underutilisation of data-driven business opportunities.
The scope of the roadmap encompasses four key areas: competence development, infrastructure enhancement, business digitalization, and public service optimisation. Each area has specific targets that align with the EU’s broader objectives, such as increasing the percentage of digitally skilled citizens, achieving nationwide 5G coverage, and ensuring SMEs integrate advanced digital tools like AI and big data. Additionally, the policy highlights Finland’s unique strengths, including its leadership in quantum computing and its high levels of public trust, which underpin the country’s digital innovation ecosystem.
By integrating Finland’s Digital Compass—a more comprehensive national strategy—into this roadmap, the policy also emphasises Finland’s role as a trendsetter in areas like data economy, cybersecurity, and green digital transformation. It includes a governance structure that fosters cross-sector collaboration among government bodies, private enterprises, and research institutions, ensuring a coordinated and inclusive approach to digital development.
Key objectives and targets
Competence development
- Ensure that at least 87% of Finns aged 16 to 74 have basic digital skills by 2030.
- Promote gender balance in ICT professions and aim to increase ICT specialists in the workforce to 10%.
- Address digital competence gaps among various demographic groups, especially older populations.
Infrastructure enhancement
- Achieve full coverage of 1 Gbps broadband and nationwide 5G by 2030.
- Strengthen Finland’s quantum computing capabilities, targeting a 50-qubit quantum computer by 2025.
- Establish pilot facilities for semiconductor production and research.
Business digitalization
- Ensure 90% of SMEs reach at least a basic level of digital intensity.
- Promote the use of AI, big data, and cloud computing among 75% of enterprises.
- Support scalable start-ups to increase participation in international markets.
Public services optimisation
- Achieve 100% online accessibility for key public services.
- Increase human-centric and automated public services focusing on life and business event-based solutions.
- Enhance the MyKanta health data platform and facilitate cross-border electronic identification.
Measures and investments
Finland’s roadmap incorporates a variety of measures to meet the goals of the EU’s Digital Decade. Each measure is structured to address current challenges and maximise Finland’s strengths.
Competence measures
Finland is focusing on educational reforms to bridge the digital skills gap. Targeted programs will train ICT specialists, enhance digital literacy among underserved populations, and expand ICT-related university courses. Public libraries and cultural institutions are included as critical platforms for promoting digital skills. Financial investments have been allocated to support universities in creating new student opportunities, particularly in high-demand fields.
Infrastructure initiatives
Efforts to enhance Finland’s digital infrastructure include public funding for rural broadband expansion and investments in advanced technologies like quantum computing and semiconductors. Finland will also leverage its strong position in 5G development to advocate for harmonised regulations within the EU. Investments in these areas will ensure reliable, high-speed connectivity nationwide, enabling the adoption of next-generation technologies.
Business incentives
The ‘Digital Native Finland’ mission supports SMEs in adopting digital technologies like AI and big data. Digital investment hubs (EDIHs) have been created to provide SMEs with access to necessary resources and expertise. Finland also aligns its policies with EU funding opportunities, such as the Chips Act, to ensure access to international markets and foster growth in digital entrepreneurship.
Public service reforms
Finland will focus on transforming public services to become more cohesive and user-friendly. The introduction of service packages tailored to life and business events will streamline administrative processes. Key public services will transition to digital formats, enabling citizens to interact more easily with public authorities. Reforms to support cross-border service interoperability and real-time digital documentation are also underway.
Challenges and strengths
Finland faces challenges, including skills shortages in high-productivity sectors, global competitiveness in the data economy, and fragmented public services. However, it has notable strengths, such as high foundational digital skills, advanced public digital services, and leadership in emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and microelectronics.
The roadmap emphasises leveraging these strengths while addressing identified challenges to maintain Finland’s leading position in digital transformation and align with the EU’s 2030 vision.