Final report of the Digital Panel: Finland’s strong digital potential must be translated into economic growth

Final report of the Digital Panel: Finland's strong digital potential must be translated into economic growth

The Ministry of Transport and Communications published the final report of the Digital Panel on 15 June 2026. The report presents recommendations for measures to strengthen Finland's economic growth, competitiveness and capacity for renewal through digitalisation, emerging technologies and the data economy.

According to the report, Finland is well placed in digitalisation, but this has not yet fully translated into higher productivity. Progress calls for a more focused and forward-looking approach than at present. Key challenges include, in particular, a lack of ambition, insufficient strategic guidance and gaps in implementation. Success will require strong leadership, bold reform of working practices, readiness to take risks, improved skills and greater international attractiveness.

Summary of the Digital Panel's observations

1. Turning visions into action is a bottleneck in digitalisation.
2. Artificial intelligence is a cross-cutting force for change that affects all sectors.
3. Extensive introduction of effective solutions across the country is a challenge in Finland.
4. Clear priorities and targeted investment are needed, as not everything can be pursued at once.
5. A shared digital direction relies on sustained, long-term implementation.

The final report summarises the key findings and presents recommendations, especially for preparing the government programme, guiding ministries' work and implementing the national digital compass.

Digital Panel explores Finland's opportunities in digitalisation, emerging technologies and the data economy

In spring 2024, the Ministry of Transport and Communications set up the Digital Panel as a high-level working group under the Coordination Group for Digitalisation. Its task was to identify new and untapped potential in digitalisation, the data economy and emerging technologies, and to assess how these could be used to promote sustainable growth and societal renewal.

The Digital Panel comprised representatives from different sectors and organisations, such as businesses, universities, research institutes, third sector organisations and the municipal sector. The Panel was chaired by Kirsi Karlamaa, Director of Technology and Strategy at the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom.

What's next?

The report can be used in preparations for the ministries' outlook reviews and in recommendations for the next government.

The final report will also contribute to the preparation of the Digital Compass implementation plan and to Finland's positions on reforming and updating the EU's digital goals in autumn 2026 and spring 2027.

Inquiries:

Meeri Toivanen, Senior Specialist, [email protected], tel. +358 29 534 2191