Artificial Intelligence 4.0 report: Finland has the opportunity to lead the way in the ethical digital and green transitions

The objective of the Artificial Intelligence 4.0 programme launched in November 2020 was to prepare an action plan for Finland to speed up the introduction of AI technologies and promote the fourth industrial revolution. The final report of the Artificial Intelligence 4.0 programme summarises the areas for development, objectives and measures that will help Finland ensure its success in the digital and green transitions.

According to the final report, entitled Finland as a frontrunner in the twin transition, Finland has the opportunity to lead the way in the twin green and digital transitions. The twin transition offers companies new business and growth opportunities and is closely linked to Finland’s objectives for competitiveness and climate-neutral digital industries.

“The key assets of Finnish industry include sustainability, capacity for renewal and technological leadership. Finland has the ability to remain a leading country in technology and artificial intelligence, but this will require concrete and far-reaching measures. The Artificial Intelligence 4.0 programme addresses these measures and areas for development comprehensively,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.

Three ways to boost Finland’s digital green development

The first area for development in the final report concerns investments in research, development and leading technologies. Leading technologies include wireless information networks (5G and 6G), artificial intelligence and quantum technology. Investments in leading technologies are growing worldwide, and Finland cannot remain at the forefront without increasing its investments in competencies. 

The second area for development involves increasing digital capabilities and promoting the uptake of technologies that speed up the digital and green transition in industry SMEs. Finland must increase the digital capabilities of its SMEs significantly.

The third area for development concerns investing in Finland’s role internationally. Finland must strengthen its position through European cooperation and transatlantic relations. Finnish companies should also strengthen their role and impact when it comes to EU-level decision-making, RDI projects and networks.

Towards clean, efficient and digital industry by 2030

According to the Artificial Intelligence 4.0 programme’s objectives, in 2030 Finnish industry will be clean, efficient and digital. The report highlights the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to reducing the vulnerability of industrial value chains and strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty. Russia’s attack has further emphasised the importance of these goals.

Internationally, there is growing interest in the ethical aspects of digitalisation, and regulation on artificial intelligence and related technologies is developing rapidly. Finnish industry must also be a leader in ethically sustainable technologies.

Relative to its size, Finland has the opportunity to play a significant role in influencing Europe’s just twin transition and global development through international cooperation, EU institutions and networks. 

Inquiries:
Jussi Herlin, Chair of the Artificial Intelligence 4.0 programme, jussi.herlin@kone.com 
Ilona Lundström, Director General and Vice-Chair of the Artificial Intelligence 4.0 Programme, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7186
Sonja Hällfors, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 380
Satu Vasamo-Koskinen, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7073
Kristine Alanko, Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7344