Training programmes

Futures discussions in Finland are too narrow and not sufficiently linked to decision-making or everyday choices. This makes it harder to build a fair, sustainable, and inspiring future.

The operating environment has also become increasingly complex and unpredictable. Problems are still being solved in silos, and divisions in society have deepened. Driving societal reform has become more difficult.

No one can solve complex problems alone. Sitra supports decision-makers and change-makers in building a shared understanding of the situation and helps identify and address key future challenges and opportunities – together.

Instead of traditional training, we create multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral learning environments, situations and processes that enable shared thinking, learning and development.

Each year, we organise two leadership training programmes: one focused on sustainable economic policy and the other on the future of the EU. These courses offer a diverse and inclusive learning environment where participants can co-create solutions to future challenges. As a result, the programmes generate new thinking, understanding, capabilities, networks – and solutions.

Sitra’s journey as a societal educator began in 1977, ten years after its founding. The training was launched at a time when Finland’s industrial production was stagnant, the markka had been devalued, and the global oil crisis was unfolding. There was a clear need to bring decision-makers together to discuss economic policy. In the background was the so-called Korpilampi spirit. The courses aimed not only to broaden economic perspectives but also to develop the knowledge and skills needed for economic decision-making. From the outset, the courses emphasised practical capabilities for solving economic policy challenges alongside essential information.

From the 1970s to the 1990s, the focus of the economic policy courses for influencers and decision-makers was on managing economic and fiscal policy. By 2005, a total of 63 courses had been organised, training 2,000 decision-makers.

In 2013, a new phase began that focused on leadership in sustainable economic policy. The perspective shifted to how wellbeing, economic realities and planetary boundaries can be integrated into decision-making, as well as the kind of leadership required in a complex world. More than 600 decision-makers have already participated in the sustainable economic policy leadership training.

In autumn 2023, a new training programme on the future of EU leadership was launched.

The Uudistuja leadership training for public administration, held in 2017–2018, promoted a more futures-oriented approach and stronger collaboration within public administration.
Customer-centric thinking and better use of knowledge in decision-making were at the heart of the programme, which was aimed at senior civil servants.

In 2016–2017, the Ratkaisu 100 challenge competition invited teams to develop solutions for better utilising skills in an increasingly globalised world. The challenge topic was selected through an open call for ideas and a public vote in 2016, after which anyone could apply to participate. At the end of the competition, the winners received one million euros to implement their solution. The competition was part of the centenary of Finland and Sitra’s 50th anniversary in 2017.

Between 2010 and 2015, Sitra’s Elinvoima forums brought together societal influencers – from grassroots actors to political decision-makers. Five forums addressed work, democracy, the economy, security, and education.
Participants sought bold solutions for the changes Finland needed in each of these areas.