Finland’s digital vision for 2030, now approved by the Ministerial Working Group, is “Building a digitally capable Finland that is attractive, competitive, sustainable and prosperous”.
The formulation of the priority of each compass has taken into account previous work in different sectors of government. The compass revolves around four main points: skills, secure and sustainable digital infrastructures, the digital transformation of businesses and the digitalisation of public services. Based on previous preparatory work and the state of play, the main objectives of the ministries and the digitalisation coordination group have been identified.
“I am very pleased with the enthusiasm with which so many parties have been involved in this work. It is vital that we all recognize the benefits we can achieve – as individuals, communities and society – with the goals we now set for Finland’s digital future, ”says the Minister of Transport and Communications. Timo Harakka.
The Finnish digital compass has been prepared in extensive co-operation with stakeholders. Stakeholders have been given feedback on compass targets, for example in open workshops, as well as their own suggestions and comments on the vision of the digital compass.
New guidelines strengthen state administration’s regional services, multi-site work and the opening and use of public information
The Ministerial Working Group approved the continuation of the preparation of the plan for the regional presence of the state administration on the basis of the proposals of the working group. The plan will be published as a decision of the Board. The proposals concern the territorial presence of state authorities and the availability of services. A working group from the Ministry of Finance has drawn up a plan for the remainder of the government, which is the first plan based on a new law that will come into force at the beginning of 2022.
The aim is to ensure equal services for customers through several channels and at the same time increase the vitality of the regions and the competitiveness of the state as an employer. The actual government decision on the basis of the working group’s proposals for measures will be prepared during the spring. The decision of the Government will improve the opportunities for work, study and housing in a flexible and multi-purpose place.
The ministerial working group also approved a proposal for a government decision describing the strategic objectives for the opening and use of public information. The decision and its implementing measures aim to improve the access of the state and the entire public administration to the utilization of information. Ministers were also briefed on the digitization and data economy projects included in the fiscal plan.
“Opening up and using public information offers many opportunities to develop better services in both the public and private sectors. However, this requires common rules to ensure that the data is used securely and efficiently. This is the goal of these new policies and related measures, ”says the Minister of Local Government Sirpa Paatero.
What next?
A draft of Finland’s national digital compass is scheduled to be sent to a round of statements in spring 2022. The Government’s decision on the opening and use of public information will be discussed at the next plenary session of the Government. The plan for the regional presence of state authorities and the decision of the Government on multi-site work, study and housing will be discussed next in an open stakeholder consultation and then in a ministerial group.
Source: Ministry of Transport and Communications
Source: The Nordic Page