Working group to examine how to turn the steps taken during the current exceptional circumstances into a permanent digital leap forward

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has appointed a working group to assess the impacts of the digitalisation development taking place in the emergency conditions, to draw up a plan to accelerate the recovery process after the emergency conditions, and to permanently increase Finland's digital capacity.

In the state of emergency due to coronavirus, digital measures have been introduced globally to keep the wheels of societies turning and to decrease the economic losses caused by the crisis.

Some digital operating practices have called for legislative amendments, which has increased the need to ensure the functional capacity, decision-making and non-discrimination policy of society in the digital era.

"The current crisis has changed our thinking and attitudes. With an open mind we have taken into use new forms of digital services and devices. The purpose of the working group is to gather information and assess ways to establish this digital leap," says Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka.

The plan and measures suggested by the working group must complement the package of measures prepared by a preparation group at the Prime Minister's Office to deal with the aftermath of the crisis.The measures must also be reconciled with the EU strategies on digitalisation and data utilisation.

The working group will be chaired by Laura Vilkkonen, Director General at the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The group has members from ministries, research institutes and stakeholder organisations in business and industry. The working group may also consult other experts.

The term of the working group will be from 1 May 2020 to 31 May 2020 so that the results should be available already by 25 May 2020.

Inquiries:

Matti Sadeniemi, Special Adviser, tel. +358 40 586 7234

Laura Vilkkonen, Director General, tel. +358 40 500 0817