Finland’s Policies for the digitalisation of education and training until 2027

Policies for the digitalisation of education and training until 2027 aim to position Finland as the global leader in sustainable digital transformation in education. Developed by the Ministry of Education and Culture, these policies outline a comprehensive framework for integrating digital tools, environments, and competencies across all levels of education. They emphasise sustainable development, ethical considerations, and inclusivity, ensuring that every learner and educator can benefit from technological advancements.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the policies is to leverage digitalization as a tool to enhance learning opportunities, support lifelong development, and ensure equitable access to quality education. The framework aims to strengthen digital competence among students and educators while fostering innovative pedagogical practices. By embedding digital solutions into the education system, the policies seek to bridge regional and social gaps, promote active digital citizenship, and prepare individuals for the demands of a digital society.

Scope

The policies encompass all levels of the Finnish education system, from early childhood education to higher education and adult learning. They address the needs of learners, educators, and administrative bodies, ensuring a unified approach to digital transformation. The scope extends to the development of digital infrastructure, secure and high-quality digital content, and robust data management systems.

Key principles

The policies are guided by the principles of:

• Sustainability: Ensuring that digital solutions align with environmental and ethical standards.
• Equality: Guaranteeing access to digital tools and education for all, regardless of geographical or social circumstances.
• Collaboration: Promoting partnerships among education providers, businesses, and policymakers.
• Knowledge-based development: Utilising data and research to inform decisions and track progress.

Rationale and background

The policies respond to the rapid pace of digitalization in education globally and align with international frameworks like the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan. They build on the progress made during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted both the potential and challenges of digital education. Finland’s success in adapting to distance education during this period demonstrated the value of a robust digital infrastructure while exposing gaps in competence and resources that the policies aim to address.

This strategic framework recognises the transformative potential of digitalization and aims to create a cohesive, inclusive, and future-proof education system. It serves as a roadmap for the next phase of educational development in Finland, ensuring that digital tools and practices are effectively and ethically integrated.

Vision

Finland aims to be the global leader in sustainable digitalization of education and training by 2027. The vision promotes equal learning opportunities, supports collaboration across different life stages, and emphasises ethical principles and sustainable development. Digital tools and environments are designed to meet individual needs while ensuring accessibility and equality in education.

Goals and measures

1. Enhancing learning and competence

• Access for all: Ensure equitable access to digital tools and skills for learners and personnel.
• Continuum of digital competence: Support lifelong digital learning pathways.
• Systematic staff development: Update digital competencies of educators regularly.

Key actions include strategic steering and research by the Ministry of Education and Culture and network cooperation led by the Finnish National Agency for Education.

2. Developing a robust digital environment

• Infrastructure support: Provide high-quality internet and devices to enhance teaching and learning.
• Comprehensive service integration: Ensure interoperability across local and national platforms.
• Secure digital content: Maintain standards for digital resources, with an emphasis on open-access materials.

Efforts are focused on collaborative infrastructure development and creating pedagogically secure digital environments.

3. Fostering knowledge-based development

• Data quality assurance: Maintain up-to-date and high-quality registries for educational data.
• Data analytics integration: Enable data-driven decision-making and enhance educational outcomes.
• Advanced knowledge management: Support informed decision-making through robust data use.

Implementation involves developing user-friendly data solutions and promoting knowledge-based management practices.

Implementation framework

The policy involves collaboration between key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Finnish National Agency for Education, and educational providers. Projects emphasise innovation, particularly open-source solutions, and partnerships across private and public sectors. Monitoring mechanisms ensure continuous assessment of digital competencies and infrastructure effectiveness.