In the opinion of Minister Krista Kiuru, digitalisation is a force that advances the economy and society, and it should be taken seriously and welcomed with open hands. Work must start forthwith and on a broad front, Minister Kiuru told on 4 February at the Communications Forum.
According to Minister of Education and Communications Krista Kiuru, society's digitalisation, whether we deal with everyday electronic services, the Internet of Things or big data, is an inevitable and necessary trend. Above all, we are dealing with effective utilisation of digital information - and, through it, new business opportunities and jobs opening up - as well as with savings created.
- Digitalisation is a revolution. Sticking with old operating models and closing the eyes to the changes in the environment is a very dangerous alternative, Minister Kiuru emphasised in her forum speech.
- According to international evaluations, Finland is one of the world leaders in information society capabilities, and in mobile capabilities it is in its own class. At the same time we can read evaluations according to which Finnish companies have fallen in a Sleeping Beauty slumber, says Minister Kiuru with concern.
- Abroad, it has been understood to bring those skilled in digitalisation close to company management and political decision making. In Germany, the Internet of Things has been named as one of the government's priorities. This should be the case also in Finland. My special hope is that there would be more and more emphasis on digitalisation because digitalisation is not merely information technology, it is at the core of efficient operations.
According to Kiuru, also good administration at its best is like business activities: simple, fast and cost-efficient. As such it functions as a base, supporting and promoting industries. This is the reason why digitalisation should play a central role in the next government programme. Not only as a page of its own, but on all pages.
Minister of Education and Communications Krista Kiuru spoke at the Communications Forum, an invitation seminar by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, on 4 February 2015. The theme of the event was digitalisation and its impacts on growth and competitiveness and on the daily life of citizens and companies.
Further information
Mr. Antton Rönnholm, Special Adviser, tel. 0295 34 2676
