High-level conference brings together experts in data economy

The Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education and Culture will organise a High-Level Conference on Data Economy on 25-26 November 2019. The Conference is one of the events organised under Finland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Conference brings together experts and actors in data economy to consider the development of a human-driven, sustainable, competitive and equitable data economy.

Participants will include representatives of companies, NGOs, EU Member States, public authorities and administrations. About 400 guests are expected to join the event at Finlandia Hall.

"The aim of the conference is to create a strong, shared view of a human-centred European data economy that promotes growth," says Sanna Marin, Minister of Transport and Communications.

"The European value base and legislative culture provide a good basis for developing a human-centred, successful and balanced data economy," Marin adds.

"Reforming the public administration will also rely, particularly in future, more and more on data and data processed from it. This calls for policies and common principles for access to data in a way that is human-oriented and respects citizens' fundamental rights. Fair and efficient use of data improves the effectiveness of government activities and strengthens citizens' trust," says Sirpa Paatero, Minister of Local Government and Ownership Steering.

"We believe that this is the right time to start a discussion on the significance of data and issues related to information on original works and authorship at the EU level. The Union needs a clear vision on how we can guide this development in favour of creative industries and research," says Minister of Science and Culture Hanna Kosonen.

Principles of data economy to guide development

In connection with the Conference, a proposal for the principles of European data economy, which has been produced under the leadership of Finland, will be presented on 26 November 2019. These principles will serve as a strong value basis for the discussion on data economy and guide policy measures at the EU level.

The principles of data economy have been prepared in broad and open cooperation with different stakeholders.

The work has aimed to translate the debate into more concrete terms and to create a strong, shared vision for a human-centred and growth-enhancing European data economy.

The goal is to provide fair, human-oriented services based on European values, to clarify the rights of access to data and to improve the opportunities for utilising data.

What is data economy about?

Data economy is based on the utilisation of data. By combining and sharing data, new services and applications can be created and business can be generated.

The information on which data economy is based is generated, for example, in search services, loyalty programmes, websites or in connection with the use of software.

In data economy, the value for service users and providers is created in the networks of different services. In Europe, the service user should be at the core of data economy and its main beneficiary.

The aim is that data sharing will promote innovation, fair competition and the creation and distribution of services and applications that are beneficial to users.

Follow the Conference online

You can participate in the social media discussion with the hashtags #datatalous #dataeconomy #datatalous2019 #dataeconomy2019. A live webcast of the conference will be available.

The High-Level Conference on Data Economy will be organised by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education and Culture. The event is part of the programme of Finland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Inquiries:

Laura Vilkkonen, Director General, Ministry of Transport and Communications, tel. +358 40 500 0817

Olli-Pekka Rissanen, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Finance, tel. +358 295 530 364

Viveca Still, Copyright Counsellor, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 295 330 297