Trust in public administration in Finland remains high by international comparison

According to an international survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, trust in public institutions and satisfaction with administrative services have remained stable in Finland. The OECD Survey on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions, published for the third time, highlights participation and agency as increasingly important drivers of trust.

In international comparison, trust in public administration in Finland remains high. Trust in public institutions in Finland is stable, although it varies across institutions.

People in Finland place the greatest trust in the police (89%), the courts (75%) and the Finnish Defence Forces, which nine in ten people trust. Trust in central government stands at 68 per cent, well above the OECD average (45%).

Trust in government edges up slightly

Some 49 per cent of respondents in Finland trust the national government, compared with the OECD average of 40 per cent. Trust has increased by two percentage points compared with two years ago, but it remains clearly below the level recorded four years ago, when 61 per cent expressed trust in government. At that time, trust declined in line with international trends.

People in Finland are concerned about the economy and employment. The survey shows that financial strain or concerns are associated with lower levels of trust. In addition, young people and young adults (aged 18–29) report lower trust than those aged over 50. However, people’s perceptions of their ability to have a say in government actions influence trust more than socio-economic or demographic factors.

High satisfaction with administrative services continues

Satisfaction with administrative services in Finland increased by one percentage point over two years to 84 per cent. Positive experiences of accessing services and interacting with public authorities are associated with higher trust. Trust also reflects people’s perceptions of whether public institutions act in line with their values and principles.

“What particularly encourages me in these results is that Finland stands out for positive perceptions and experiences of everyday interactions with public administration. Finland performs above the international average on every indicator, with the exception of two.  By international comparison, Finland remains a high-trust society, and we must continue to build that trust in the future,” says Minister of Local and Regional Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen.

Doubts remain about opportunities to have a say

Trust in government is closely linked to evidence-based decision-making, intergenerational fairness, and people’s perceptions of their ability and opportunities to influence decision-making. Only one in four people in Finland trust that ordinary people can have a say in what the government does.

The survey recommends further expanding opportunities for participation and engagement. It is essential that people feel heard and that public institutions recognise diverse life situations and needs.

“I also consider it vital that we involve people and stakeholders more systematically in decision-making across all levels of public administration. For this reason, we are planning a roundtable discussion on building trust at the turn of the year,” Ikonen says.

Familiarity with artificial intelligence linked to higher expectations of benefits

For the first time, the survey explores respondents’ views on artificial intelligence (AI) and their expectations of its benefits. Across OECD countries, people view the use of AI in public administration with cautious optimism.

In Finland, perceptions of AI’s potential, for example in improving services and reducing costs, are more positive than in the OECD countries on average. People in Finland also express stronger confidence that new technologies such as AI are appropriately regulated and that their responsible use is supported.

“In my view, trust is one of Finland’s key assets. We need it when making choices, especially in uncertain times. I hope this new survey encourages us to integrate trust more visibly into the deployment of AI and other emerging technologies,” says Katju Holkeri, Senior Ministerial Adviser at the Ministry of Finance.

Join the discussion on the survey results

The Ministry of Finance will continue to review the survey findings during the autumn. The results for Finland will be discussed in more detail at the Open Democracy Network meeting on 17 August from 9.00 to 10.30. The online discussion is open to all interested participants, and registration is now open.

Register for the discussion (in Finnish)

Inquiries:
Katju Holkeri, Senior Ministerial Adviser, katju.holkeri(a)gov.fi, tel. +358 295 530 087
Mikko Lehtonen, Senior Specialist, mikko.lehtonen(a)gov.fi, tel. +358 295 530 192