in content lists or on the content page.
In the next few years, the public sector will face significant challenges. Costs must be mitigated and operating practices renewed to reverse the accumulation of debt. Improving productivity is one way of balancing the general government finances.
Extending the use of data and artificial intelligence will open up new opportunities for improving productivity when the work of professionals becomes smoother, service processes are developed and the work input of personnel is allocated effectively. The good data resources in public administration provide a wealth of opportunities for this if used efficiently.
Sitra opens a funding call to accelerate the utilisation of data and artificial intelligence in strategic decision-making in the public sector. The call is part of Sitra’s wider investment in which it provides funding and expertise to support the development of Finland’s public administration into a pioneer in the utilisation of data and artificial intelligence.
“International reports anticipate a significant AI-driven transition in the public sector as well. Although the estimates of the potential for improving productivity vary, we are in any case talking about highly significant sums and reforms,” says Jonna Heliskoski, Senior Lead at Sitra.
Solutions to help improve productivity
The call is aimed at finding concrete solutions for improving productivity by taking advantage of data in strategic decision-making. Strategic decision-making means decisions that significantly direct the organisation’s operation and use of resources.
For example, the projects receiving funding may speed up decision-making and automate routine tasks, or support fast implementation of solutions involving AI in public administration or the use of data across organisational boundaries.
The solution may increase productivity, for example, by providing new ways to produce data on the development of productivity, analyse data that supports decision-making or help to redirect operation.
The funding distributed in the two stages of the application process will be a maximum of EUR 300,000 in total.
In the application process, a maximum of three projects will be selected for funding on the basis of the applications.
The details of the funding call and the instructions for applying have been compiled on the application page. Applications must be submitted in Sitra’s electronic service by 12.00 noon on 21 March 2025.
Application clinics will be organised on Teams for the applicants and anyone interested in the funding call. The first application clinic will be organised on Friday, 21 February at 9.00 and the following ones on 28 February and 7 March.
Sitra produces ideas and develops and experiments with solutions to renew Finland in cooperation with its partners. We strengthen society’s ability to find new solutions and bring together the actors to make the change possible. Our goal is to serve Finnish society by helping our partners succeed in this renewal work.