Building Stronger Horizontal Capabilities for Finland’s Updated Digital Compass

Data sovereignty is a key part of the foundation of a democratic and competitive digital society. Finland and Europe must systematically develop infrastructures that ensure control over data, strengthen the development of open-source artificial intelligence, and promote the competitiveness of European digital service companies. At the same time, interoperability and standardization must be actively advanced at the EU level.

CSC emphasizes that the growth of the data economy and the digital transformation of society are based on horizontal competences. Data and technology alone do not create value; the ability to apply them across different fields is required. Therefore, the use of data-intensve methods should also be expanded to sectors where they are not yet widely utilized. This requires structural support, the development of ecosystems, and a closer connection between research and education.

CSC points out that, in anticipating education needs, a key factor is the more systematic use of data and the broad availability of national foresight information in machine-readable form. At the same time, digital services for lifelong learning must be developed to respond to rapid changes in working life and technology. Competence development should increasingly be examined from the persfective of organizational capabilities, including the use of data, the adoption of artificial intelligence, and procurement expertise.

CSC considers it important that the Digital Compass recognizes Finland’s unique capabilities as a provider of world-class research infrastructure. The LUMI ecosystem plays a key role in strengthening competences, research, and innovation. The ecosystem supports European technological sovereignty and provides a platform for new business as well as the utilization of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

CSC emphasizes that data center investments must generate clear economic and societal benefit for Finland. Data center investments should also be selected in the most cost- and energy-efficient way possible. Finland’s data center investments should therefore be examined as part of the broader whole of the data economy and the objectives of the Digital Compass, and their impacts ned to be defined in a more concrete manner within the Digital Compass.

Finally, CSC emphasizes that the impact of the Digital Compass depends on its successful implementation. The alignment of different strategic initiatives, clear coordination, and open and transparent execution are crucial. The overall approach requires a strong national vision and leadership to fully realize Finland’s potential.

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