Sitra launches a funding call to support the development of productivity in the public sector – Data and AI as tools for strategic decision-making

The state administration, municipalities and other public sector actors are facing intense pressure: how to ensure the functioning of the public sector and high-quality services in an increasingly tight economic situation? One key solution is a significant improvement in productivity. The rapid development of technology provides completely new opportunities for significant productivity gains and operational renewal.

A broader use of data and artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance productivity by streamlining professionals’ work, developing service processes and allocating resources more cleverly. The robust data reserves of the public administration offer vast opportunities when effectively used.

Sitra is launching a funding call to promote the use of data and AI in strategic decision-making within the public sector. These decisions significantly steer an organisation’s operations and resource allocation. This second funding round is part of a Sitra-initiated project aimed at supporting the Finnish public administration with funding and expertise to become a pioneer in leveraging data and AI.

“Awareness of the opportunities offered by technology is growing rapidly. There is a desire to shift the focus from individual experiments to the implementation and scaling of reforms that improve productivity in the public sector. This is where Sitra can help,” says Jonna Heliskoski, a senior lead at Sitra.

We are looking for solutions that will improve productivity

We are now seeking concrete solutions that can improve productivity by using data in strategic decision-making. In this funding call, we are particularly interested in solutions that support strategic foresight, risk management and the identification of future developments.

We are looking for solutions that can:

• increase productivity for example by helping to anticipate resource allocation needs and reallocation
• assist in identifying and managing risks related to operating environments and models
• introduce new ways of analysing information to support decision-making.

The total amount of funding to be distributed across two application rounds is up to €400,000. Based on the applications, a maximum of three projects will be selected for funding.

Detailed information about the funding call and application guidelines is available on the application page (in Finnish, summary in English). Applications must be submitted no later than Wednesday 6 August 2025 at 12:00 noon (UTC+3) via Sitra’s electronic service.

For applicants and those interested in the call, application clinics will be organised via Teams. The first clinic will be held on Friday 6 June at 2 pm (UTC+3), with subsequent clinics on 13 June and 25 June. Registration for the clinics is available via a link on the application page.

Sitra produces ideas and develops and experiments with solutions to renew Finland in cooperation with partners. We strengthen society’s ability to find new solutions and bring together the actors to enable change. Our goal is to serve Finnish society by helping our partners succeed in this renewal work.