Joint statement
Chairpersons of working groups: Rapid reforms needed to secure Finnish wellbeing

The Technology Advisory Board, the Parliamentary Working Group on Research, Development and Innovation, the Working Group on Sustainable Growth, and the Artificial Intelligence 4.0 programme have published a joint call to the current Government and future governments. The chairpersons of the working groups are very concerned about Finland’s future.

The chairpersons of the working groups emphasised that securing Finland’s wellbeing will require sustainable growth. Action must be taken soon.

Risto Siilasmaa, Chairperson of the Technology Advisory Board, highlights the importance of cross-administrative management in information and technology policy: "Technology plays a key role in modern society and by nature crosses administrative boundaries. At the moment, the promotion of information and technology policy is fragmented and has suffered from a lack of real continuity. The work done in several cross-administrative bodies has succeeded in putting cooperation in the field of information and technology policy on a course towards more systematic and closer cooperation, which is the right direction. Creating tools to manage digitalisation across administrative boundaries is one of the most important tasks for the next government."

All four working groups have raised their concerns over long-term weak growth in productivity and the economy and over Finland’s international competitiveness. In their reports, the working groups have proposed several similar measures to overcome these challenges. It is essential to act on these proposals.

“Finland is well placed to continue at the forefront of the digital transformation and lead the way globally in the twin transition, but succeeding in these efforts will require long-term investments in research, development, increasing labour supply and improving productivity. If we want Finnish industry to be clean, efficient and digital in 2030, decisions need to be made now,” says Jussi Herlin, Chairperson of the Artificial Intelligence 4.0 programme.

According to the chairpersons, Finland is underperforming, despite placing high in international rankings. Finland's conditions are excellent, but the country needs more determination and ambition. 

The statement has been signed by Pekka Ala-Pietilä, Chairperson of the Working Group on Sustainable Growth, Jussi Herlin, the Chairperson of the Artificial Intelligence 4.0 programme, Matias Mäkynen, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Working Group on Research, Development and Innovation, and Risto Siilasmaa, the Chairperson of the Technology Advisory Board. 

Additional information: 

Senior Specialist, Anita Juho, Ministry of Finance, tel. +358 295 530 747, anita.juho(at)gov.fi