Finland’s higher education sector gathered to discuss the future of steering cooperation for digitalisation
On Friday, 20 March 2026, Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture brought together key actors from the Finnish higher education sector at Pörssitalo in Helsinki to discuss how national and international changes in higher education and its operating environment affect the steering cooperation for digitalisation in higher education. Nearly 100 people attended the event in person and about 150 participated remotely. CSC was responsible for the practical arrangements of the day.
The aim of the seminar was to bring together actors from the higher education sector to examine emerging needs and share insights on how steering cooperation for digitalisation can be directed to address the challenges and opportunities of the coming years.
During the day, speeches were given by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Culture, higher education institutions, and a student representative. The themes highlighted changes in the operating environment, opportunities to leverage digitalisation, and the importance of steering cooperation. Several speakers also emphasised the importance of ensuring that change remains sustainable and inclusive from multiple perspectives. The Ministry of Education and Culture underscored the need to develop the strategic steering model for digitalisation in a way that is based on the needs of the Finnish higher education field and on solutions that work best for it.
The seminar also featured three international presentations from the European Commission, Norway, and Estonia. The contributions from the Commission and peer countries provided timely perspectives on digital higher education ecosystem solutions and future directions, which are also essential for developing interoperability within the Finnish higher education sector.
Interoperability and digital sovereignty sparked interest
The event was designed to be interactive, and active discussions took place throughout the day. Interoperability development and digital sovereignty, both at the European and national level, sparked significant interest, as did conversations about shared next steps.
The seminar received positive feedback, and the day’s program was praised. Participants felt that the event offered new perspectives for developing a shared strategic direction for the higher education sector. With increasingly close cooperation, particularly as part of the European higher education system, the outcomes of the seminar were seen as timely and useful for practical work.
CSC was responsible for the practical arrangements and continues to support the development of digitalisation in the higher education sector in close cooperation with the ministry and higher education institutions.
“Finland has a strong and longstanding tradition of developing interoperability and digitalisation in higher education. That is why it is important that we regularly bring actors together to examine the changing national and international context, align our shared direction, and look boldly towards the long-term future. This ensures that we can collaboratively build solutions that are truly impactful and serve the entire ecosystem,” says Hanna Nordlund, Director of Digital Service Ecosystems for Education at CSC.
Image: CSC
Hanna Nordlund
Hanna Nordlund is responsible for CSC’s digital services for all levels of education, their development, and supporting interoperability.
