Digitalization must be harnessed for economic growth and new success stories

Finland possesses a robust foundation in digital infrastructure, societal trust, and technological prowess, yet it has not fully capitalized on these assets to foster economic expansion and create new success stories. The nation's digital strategy, Digikompassi, has been updated to address evolving circumstances, and advanced resources like the Lumi supercomputer and a new AI factory are available for research and business.

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The biggest challenge in Finland is the lack of execution. We recognize opportunities, create strategies, and launch projects, but too often good solutions remain experiments, and we settle for optimizing the present instead of building the new.

Despite these strengths, a key challenge identified by the Digipaneli, a group that concluded its work in June, is a lack of execution. While opportunities are recognized and strategies are developed, many promising solutions remain experimental. The focus has often been on optimizing existing systems rather than building anew. The upcoming government term faces the critical question of whether Finland will invest in digitalization with sufficient ambition.

To harness digitalization as a driver of growth, renewal, and strategic competitiveness, bold choices and long-term investments are necessary. The public sector must support this growth through enabling regulation, investments, and by acting as a reference customer. Stronger cross-governmental management and unified execution are also crucial to transform good ideas into tangible results. For businesses, the message is clear: aim for global markets from the outset, embrace risk-taking, and do not fear failure.

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We must nationally see digitalization as the engine of new growth, renewal, and strategic competitiveness. We need the courage to make choices about where we want to be world-class and the audacity to invest in them long-term.

Finland has all the prerequisites to become a leader in digital growth, not just adapting to change but actively shaping it. The effective utilization of digitalization and technology is presented as a strategic imperative for Finland's growth, competitiveness, and security.

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The message for companies is clear: aim for global markets from the very beginning. Significant renewal also requires risk-taking and sometimes failures, and this should not be feared.