The third national information society strategy: From the China phenomenon to a Finland phenomenon

The objective of the new information society strategy is to support the emergence of a "Finland phenomenon", in other words, the turning of Finland into an internationally attractive, humane and competitive expertise and service society. According to its vision, the strategy pursues good life in an information society. "I consider it particularly virtuous that the focus of information society development is now shifting from technology to the quality of life", commends Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, chairman of the ministerial group for the information society programme. 

Guidelines and measures aimed at promoting the reform of the service sector, citizens' wellbeing and the nation's and companies' competitiveness will occupy a prominent role in the new national information society strategy. The aforementioned themes will be addressed from various angles: development of skills, application of the existing and new data, creativity and innovativeness, structural and functional reforms, networking and the development and utilisation of ICTs. The proposed main projects for 2007-2011 include:
- the launching of a policy programme to renew service structures within public administration;
- efforts to increase the speed of data network connections and ensure the interoperability of information society structures;
- measures to promote lifelong learning;
- reform of the rules governing working life and development of leadership and management skills;
- reform of the innovation system;
- further development of the copyright system;
- the promotion of the digitalisation of business in SMEs;
- a contribution to international efforts, especially at the EU-level, and close cooperation with neighbouring regions and Asia.

"In its information society development, Finland needs to rise to the next level and instead of producing and utilising ICTs become a generator of information-based growth. We have come to expect Finns to be able to create new businesses and markets", states Tarja Virmala, Executive Director of the Federation of the Finnish Information Industries and member of the management group of the information society strategy.

The strategy is part of the Government's Information Society Programme and was drawn up, along with other strategy processes, in cooperation with decision-makers and actors from various sectors of society. A total of about 400 specialists from the Government, local authorities, higher education institutions, businesses and organisations participated in the process. The third national information strategy was published today, 26 September, in connection with the Helsinki ICT Week.

Further information:
Katrina Harjuhahto-Madetoja, Programme Director, tel. +358 9 1602 2363 and
Ville-Veikko Ahonen, Programme Coordinator, tel. +358 9 1602 2364, Government Information Society Programme, Prime Minister's Office.

The previous national-level information society strategies were drawn up in the 1990s. The first strategy, Finland - towards an information society, A National Outline, was prepared by the Ministry of Finance in 1995 and the second strategy, Quality of Life, Knowledge and Competitiveness, by the Finnish National Fund for Research and Development, SITRA, in 1998.

The Information Society Programme, chaired by Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, is one of the Government's four intersectoral policy programmes. The programme aims to boost competitiveness and productivity, to promote social and regional equality and to improve citizens' well-being and quality of life through effective utilisation of information and communications technologies throughout society.