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How are we advancing the data economy?
The data economy is moving forward step by step through specific actions. We have launched timely actions with the public sector, businesses and communities to build a fair data economy towards a vision. Ongoing monitoring will show you where we are going.
The roadmap process has identified measures to help achieve the fair data economy Will to Act. The network has identified more than twenty measures that are being taken forward by the public sector, businesses and municipalities.
Each action has a responsible person who is in charge of its progress. Some of the actions are implemented on a fast-track basis. By spreading best practices and innovations, they will accelerate the transition towards a prosperous data-driven society.
The actions now being launched will also help to persuade decision-makers to drive the data economy forward.
Find an action you can get involved in, or get inspired to create your own.
Providing human-centred services
Using data to curb energy use, call for solutions
Funding for experiments to develop new data-driven solutions – products and services to help consumers use electricity or heat more wisely. Smart energy use can bring savings to consumers and help smooth out consumption peaks in the energy system.
The challenge
The energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine requires a wide range of solutions, including long-term ones. Energy prices are highly variable depending on weather conditions. A range of data-driven services can provide solutions if they are designed to help save energy and shift energy consumption away from peak periods. Automated consumption flexibility requires combining and processing data from multiple sources into new services.
Solution
Sitra has accelerated the development of new data economy solutions by providing funding for experiments that help alleviate the energy crisis through data. The experiments will increase understanding of the potential of data and help to address the energy crisis in the longer term. The lessons learned from the experiments have been shared openly for the benefit of all.
Further information: Tarmo Toikkanen, Sitra
Study: Better care and well-being from social and health data
We have identified critical developments in the quality and use of data and, more broadly, in the national governance model and funding. We made seven recommendations for Finland to improve the availability, movement and use of social and health data within and between different systems.
The Challenge
Social and health data is static. It is not being used optimally in health care, social services, research and innovation.
Solution
We took a close look at the current state and future potential of Finnish health and social data. The report (in Finnish, summary in English) highlights the opportunities that better use and mobility of social and health data can bring. It also looks at the conditions set by the EU regulation (European Health Data Space). The report’s recommendations outline what Finland needs to do to become a pioneer in the EU and to strengthen the productivity of the health and social care sector through better use of health and social data.
Further information: Saara Malkamäki, Sitra
Digitalisation and automation of life event service packages
We promote the development of human-centred service packages. Service packages respond to the needs of people at different points in their lives and to the needs of organisations. They harness information across governmental and sectoral boundaries.
The Challenge
We need cost-effective and efficient public service delivery. Current service experiences are not always smooth for the user. Public services need to be developed in a more holistic way, taking into account the different needs and situations of both people and businesses. The principles of good governance must also be upheld in a digitalising society.
Solution
We will look at the legislation that enables the use of information and digitalisation, as well as the digital and structural form of information. We will create a common national digital infrastructure and e-services to support digitalisation for life. We will reform the ways and models of cooperation, management and governance of organisations providing services.
Further information: Niko Ruostetsaari, Ministry of Finance
Business transformation
An operating model for creating innovative data ecosystems and business
To develop a practical approach and toolkit to enable innovation ecosystem actors and companies to develop their own data-driven business together with other actors.
The Challenge
There is a lack of data sharing and exploitation, especially within innovation ecosystems and between companies, in relation to the opportunities offered by the data economy.
Solution
A practical approach and a toolkit will be made freely available to all stakeholders. Training on their use will be provided during 2024.
Further information: Heikki Aura and Naomi Wuori, Sitra
Data accelerator
To support manufacturing SMEs in using data for business development.
The Challenge
Manufacturing SMEs need support in using data to develop their business. The accelerator will use proven data economy models and tools to address the needs of manufacturing SMEs.
Solution
Participating companies will have the opportunity to work with top experts to develop a way of doing business that embraces data and uses it to create a view of the business. The company will be helped to get up to speed in the use of digitalisation.
Data mapping will provide the basis for streamlining operations with AI-based analytics and optimisation tools. In addition, good data skills increase a company’s value as a partner and are a prerequisite for future competitiveness. The accelerator will work through workshops and peer-to-peer sparring between companies. The lessons learned from the accelerator will be shared as an industrial data playbook, while respecting company confidentiality.
Further information: Kari Muranen, DIMECC and Joonas Mikkilä, Technology Industries of Finland
SME data business growth and expertise programme
Finnish Information Society Development Centre Tieke is developing services and training for SMEs to strengthen their data-related capabilities.
The Challenge
Companies are not sufficiently aware of data-driven business models and the value creation opportunities they offer.
Solution
Development and implementation of a range of training, sparring and support services for SMEs. These services will be based on materials and lessons learned from previous projects. These include the Data for Growth materials and the Data Journey web implementation, TIEKE’s Digiagent pilot for entrepreneurs, the DigiGain and DigiStar projects, the Technology Industries of Finland’s Data Accelerator and models piloted by other actors. We strengthen companies’ capacity for sustainable and responsible data business by bringing lessons and tools from Green ICT projects.
Further information: Hanna Niemi-Hugaerts, TIEKE
Sector-specific digital compasses for the green transition
We will explore which digitalisation solutions will drive the green transition, taking into account business constraints, especially in the garment manufacturing value chain. The new knowledge generated by the study will deepen our understanding of the potential of digitalisation to drive the green transition. It will also identify best practices and provide industry alliances with knowledge for wider use. The TT Foundation is supporting the project.
The Challenge
Digitalisation can accelerate the green transition. Digitalisation is an opportunity for all industrial sectors, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises that want to grow and internationalise. The project will identify industry-specific development paths that can help companies in the participating industries to advance in the green transition through digitalisation.
Solution
We have developed a general framework for the green transition through digitalisation. As a case study, we consider a garment manufacturing production chain with significant environmental impacts.
Further information: Hanna Emilia Gädda and Marja-Liisa Niinikoski, Finnish textile & fashion
Supporting EU advocacy
Data Strategy 2.0, inputs for the forthcoming European Commission Work Programme 2024
We will bring together experts to formulate, as early as possible, recommendations on different topics for the future European Commission’s policy and work programme on data economy issues.
The Challenge
Finland is not lobbying EU initiatives and funding programmes early enough, and there is a lack of a shared strategic vision between the public and private sectors on the objectives.
Solution
In spring 2023, Sitra and the European Policy Centre organised round table discussions on different topics with a diverse range of experts in Brussels. The results will be published in written form in autumn 2023, followed by further discussions with national and European partners.
Further information: Meeri Toivanen and Emma-Leena Kemppainen, Sitra
National implementation of EU digitalisation and the data economy regulation and influencing the EU
The Coordination Group for Digitalisation, an inter-ministerial cooperation group on digitalisation and the data economy, ensures the implementation of EU regulations on digitalisation and the data economy regulation at government and public authority level. The knowledge of the experts involved in the Coordination Group will also be used in the work of the EU Data Innovation Board and other EU advocacy work. This cooperation will complement Finland’s EU coordination system. At the same time, the exchange of information between key networks and projects will be intensified.
The Challenge
Digital and data regulations are closely interlinked. Their implementation requires coordinated coordination with general legislation and a common vision of how to organise tasks in an appropriate way, taking into account the potential of digitalisation. It is also necessary to coordinate the exchange of information between authorities, the development of information systems and knowledge bases for effective control, and appropriate access rights. The challenge is EU-wide, and Finland can play a leading role.
Solution
Continue the work of the existing working group as part of the monitoring, coordination and policy orientations of the Digital Agenda legislation. We will also influence the work programme of the incoming Commission to improve the functioning of the internal market, sustainable growth and crisis resilience.
Further information: Lotta Engdahl and Merita Erkkilä, Ministry of Transport and Communications
Skills development
Basics of the data economy: self-learning and course materials on EU data regulation and its opportunities
We are developing tools specifically for SMEs to increase their understanding of EU data regulation, the fair data economy and the opportunities it offers. In cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Confederation of Finnish Industries, Technology Industries of Finland, Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority, and the Finnish Information Society Development Centre TIEKE.
The Challenge
There is a lack of understanding in society about the overall regulatory environment of the data economy and the business and innovation potential that is opening up. There is also a lack of civic skills for operating in the data economy.
Solution
We produce digital self-learning materials on the EU Digital Markets Act,the Digital Services Act, the Data Governance Act and the Data Act, which are available to all. The materials are particularly aimed at SMEs, as they play multiple roles in the fair data economy value chains. The inspirational stories, reflection questions, infographics, and interviews in the materials are designed to be as accessible as possible to anyone interested in the topic. The materials are published in Finnish and English on the eOppiva platform.
Further information: Meeri Toivanen and Tarmo Toikkanen, Sitra
Fair data economy learning materials
Educational materials for primary and secondary education to support civic skills for working in the data economy.
The Challenge
There is a lack of understanding about the impact of the data economy on individuals and society. All citizens should understand the basic principles in order to be able to operate in the information society.
Solution
Materials for use by teachers in secondary schools and upper secondary schools help to illustrate the fair data economy and digital empowerment. The materials are intended to help increase understanding of the fair data economy from an individual perspective.
Further information: Maria Lammi, Finnish National Agency for Education, and Tarmo Toikkanen, Sitra
Data economy skills for influencers and decision-makers
We are developing data skills in a wide range of networks, including parliamentarians, delegations and government professionals.
The Challenge
There is a widespread lack of understanding in society of the value of data and the potential of its use. We need support for influencers and decision-makers to implement and lead the vision of the data economy.
Solution
Directors Institute Finland, together with the law firm Roschier, will organise a seminar in May to prepare government professionals to integrate the data economy debate into corporate strategy work and implementation.
Sitra, together with the Technology Advisory Board, will organise an introductory seminar for new MPs on the opportunities of the data economy, especially in the social welfare sector, in October 2023.
Sitra, together with the information policy working group, will organise a study trip for MPs to Brussels in March 2024 on information and technology policy topics.
Data skills training network
We will jointly identify how the educational needs of the data economy transition should be addressed in different educational programmes.
The Challenge
Curricula offered by higher education institutions should be developed in a planned cooperation and should be adapted to Finland’s strategic digitalisation goals.
Solution
We developed a joint training plan, covering content, roles and funding plan. The plan is based on the preliminary data economy curriculum plan of the Network University of Technology’s Fitech programme.
Further information: Marko Turpeinen, Aalto University
Promoting soft infrastructure
City 3.0, a data ecosystem for energy optimisation of the built environment
The project will identify critical data use cases in the real estate, construction, energy and transport sectors.
The challenge
The built environment, transport and energy sectors are under significant pressure to change as a result of the digital and green transition. This can be addressed through more efficient sharing and use of data across sectors.
Solution
The pilot identified data use cases and needs to improve energy efficiency through collaboration between the property, energy and transport sectors. A virtual model of a building was created to help visualise the available data in context.
Further information: Tommi Arola, Rakennustietosäätiö and Taru Rastas, Sitra
Applying fair data economy tools in health sector ecosystems
The projects selected in the call for proposals will increase the competitiveness and skills of health ecosystems. The projects will apply Sitra’s Fair Data Rulebook to agree on common rules of the game.
The Challenge
Health ecosystems have a broad role and importance in society. They generate knowledge, expertise and solutions that can influence the health and well-being of the population. The digitalisation of the environment is increasing the pressure to innovate in the health sector, so there is a need to develop skills in data exploitation.
Solution
We are funding four health ecosystem projects. We are gathering experience and lessons learned on how to use data in collaborative networks and strengthen the competitiveness of the health sector through a fair data economy. We also support ecosystem development by providing 1001 Lakes expertise to the selected project teams.
Further information: Elina Dravik, Sitra
Nordic digital single market area, data space trials
We are developing the capacity for companies and public authorities to exchange economic data in order to make the Nordic countries and Estonia a digital marketplace. Opportunities for sharing and commercial use of shared data will be created as an open market solution. The Nordic Smart Government and Business programme also involves the tax and business registration authorities of Norway, Sweden and Finland.
The Challenge
European regulations (such as the Sustainable Development Goals, Data Act, Ask Only Once, Digital Product Passport) will require public and private sector actors to open up their interfaces and facilitate the mobility of data between different organisations and countries by 2025. A Nordic data market will allow data to be made available and used for the development of areas such as taxation, financial management, trade, finance and business services.
Solution
We will develop a common Nordic data space through pilots in partnership with businesses and public authorities.
Further information: Pirkka Frosti, Ioxio and Jukka Kyhäräinen, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Transport data ecosystem use cases
Identify critical data-sharing use cases, and identify and implement shared data models, interfaces and systems.
The Challenge
To create the strongest possible basis for a sustainable transport system in Finland and for the implementation of new transport services and solutions, data must flow smoothly between routes, vehicles, modes, service providers and end users. Transport digitalisation services are needed to ensure smooth, safe and low-emission transport and cost-effective service delivery.
Solution
We manage basic public transport data and set up a data catalogue. We will define common data types in the transport data ecosystem.
Further information: Janne Lautanala, Fintraffic
Coordinated actions on the data economy as part of the Digital Compass
The Digital Compass is Finland’s national strategic roadmap that creates a common national vision and objectives for digitalisation and the data economy up to 2030. The implementation of the Digital Compass includes policy and project steering, legislative drafting and performance management of agencies. National coordination is also part of the EU’s contribution to the Digital Decade and other EU advocacy work.
The timetable, resource needs and responsibilities of the operational programme will be further specified in light of the forthcoming government programme and the orientations of the Framework Council. The final implementation plan for the Digital Compass will be submitted to the Commission in October 2023.
Solution
The government will support the coordinated development of interoperability infrastructures, soft infrastructure, cloud services and communication and server infrastructure in the data economy.
Further information: Maria Rautavirta, Ministry of Transport and Communications
Digital product passport pilots in the textile industry
The Digital Product Passport will improve the usability and transparency of product information and promote responsible business and the circular economy.
The Challenge
EU regulation will define data requirements for digital product information in the coming years. The European Commission has called for solutions from industry to develop a digital product passport. Digital Product Passport solutions offer opportunities for business development and the development of consumer services based on product information.
Solution
We will launch pilots to develop the concept of a digital product passport and to identify business solutions. The results of the pilots will be used to influence the requirements of future EU regulations. The first pilots will look at the value chains for battery and textile products and logistics.
Further information: Taru Rastas and Jyri Arponen, Sitra
Sitra Lab change programme to accelerate Web 3.0 experiments
Sitra Lab 5 was launched in autumn 2023 to accelerate the ability of Finnish pioneers, organisations and change makers to increase the understanding of Web 3.0 opportunities and address Web 3.0 challenges in different communities.
The Challenge
We are moving towards a decentralised model of internet development, Web 3.0, where people organise themselves into networks, own virtually and manage data in blockchains. There are at least two challenges: so far, there are no practical applications around Web 3.0 and Finnish actors are not sufficiently networked around Web 3.0.
Solution
We are strengthening the Finnish Web 3.0 network and funding agile experiments. The participating teams will launch concrete experiments on three Web 3.0 phenomena.
- DAOs Decentralised Autonomous Organisation; DAO An organisation that operates independently or autonomously, without the management structure of a normal organisation, using blockchain technology. Open term page Decentralised Autonomous Organisation; DAO , i.e. decentralised, autonomous organisations
- Metaverse Metaverse An internet-based entity consisting of persistent virtual spaces, where interaction is possible within and between virtual spaces. Open term page Metaverse , which refers to a set of persistent virtual spaces
- Non-fungible tokens Non-fungible token; NFT A certificate of the right to a digital copy whose current owner and possession history have been verified using blockchain technology. Open term page Non-fungible token; NFT , or NFTs
The call for applications for the programme opened in May 2023.
Further information: Helena Mustikainen and Jonna Heliskoski, Sitra
Creating investment models
Development of EU financing and instruments
The aim is to develop a snapshot of EU counterpart funding and funding models. We promote access to funding for EU cooperation and participation in EU projects in Finland to promote data economy solutions and growth.
The Challenge
The EU is an important source of funding. Through it, Finnish actors can benefit and develop high-level expertise, create international cooperation and increase their impact. EU funding includes RDI and other funding from programmes such as Horizon Europe and Digital Europe. However, most of the EU funding on offer requires counterpart funding. Depending on the situation, this can be either member states’ contributions, or own or other funding from participating actors. Such funding is scarce, which also reduces the amount of EU funding available. The low level of reimbursement of overheads increases the actual costs for the beneficiary. Under-resourced domestic advisory services and administration are also a challenge.
Solution
We will promote the availability of counterpart funding, the level of appropriate self-financing and a shared understanding of needs and counterpart funding as part of the next government programme and the planning of research and development funding. We will promote the closer alignment of EU and national funding and the development and implementation of effective funding instruments and models. We will assess different sources of funding, including a possible digital community budget, in terms of counterpart funding needs.
Further information: Lasse Laitinen, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
Data Economy program to accelerate the development of the data economy
The programme encourages Finnish companies to develop international business based on the use and sharing of data. It will boost challenging data economy development projects with up to €135 million.
The Challenge
Slow productivity growth is a key challenge for Finland. Finnish companies lack an understanding of the added value and importance of data sharing. The data economy has the potential to develop scalable business models in international markets. However, initiating change within companies and building global data economy collaboration networks or ecosystems in Finland is still a challenge.
Solution
Innovation funding and internationalisation services will stimulate new exports of data economy solutions. We bring together actors that enable and exploit the data economy across industry boundaries.
Further information: Kari Klossner, Business Finland
Join in the action
Do you have an idea for a data economy initiative that your organisation cannot do alone? Let us know!
The data economy is moving forward with concrete measures