Surveys and studies

Processing of personal data

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment creates prerequisites for growth that is economically, socially and ecologically sustainable. Succeeding in our task requires that we conduct various surveys and studies, which may include processing the personal data of public administration and private-sector actors, journalists, and citizens of Finland and other countries.

As a rule, we receive the data required for surveys and studies from the persons themselves, but we may also collect data through public channels and from cooperation partners.

What data do we collect on you in connection with surveys and studies?

In connection with surveys and studies, we may store your personal data relevant from the perspective of the activities and cooperation. These may include your name, email address, phone number, country of residence, the organisation you represent, as well as your job title or position. 
Personal data collected in connection with surveys and studies are retained for a maximum of 10 years. The retention periods are based on the government's information management plan.

What is our data processing based on?

We process your personal data to comply with our statutory obligation or to perform a task concerning the public interest. The processing of your personal data may also be based on the consent of the data subject.

The tasks of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment are laid down in the following, among others:

  • Government Decree on the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment 
  • Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Decree on the Rules of Procedure of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment 

In addition, the implementation of surveys and studies and the tasks of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is essentially affected by the following:

  • Act on the Openness of Government Activities 

Disclosure and transfer of personal data

At times, we outsource matters related to the implementation of surveys and studies to external service providers for quality improvement. Provided that the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation are met, a service provider may also operate outside the EU. For example, surveys and studies can be conducted via a Webropol form.

We may disclose personal data, upon request, in accordance with the Act on the Openness of Government Activities. 

We do not disclose your data for direct marketing or market and opinion polls.

Your data protection rights

Did you know that under the GDPR you have rights related to how we process your personal data? For more information on your rights related to your personal data, please see the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment data protection website.