Government guidelines for the foresight report
In its evening session on 26 June, the Government discussed the themes selected for the Government foresight report. Once during each electoral period, the Government submits to Parliament a foresight report. This report will focus on sustainable growth and well-being in Finland in 2030.
The Government evening session discussed the themes selected for futures analysis on the basis of presentations given by Minister Jyri Häkämies and representatives of other organisations involved in the futures analysis phase: the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, the Academy of Finland and Tekes – the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation.
The session concluded that the report is addressing issues of key importance. The participatory approach builds confidence in the future and encourages to seize new opportunities.
The preparatory work on the foresight report started in spring 2012 and it will be carried out in two phases. The futures analysis phase aims to come up with perspectives for future choices that will provide opportunities and decisions with which to generate and maintain sustainable growth and well-being. The strategy phase beginning in early 2013 will outline the Government's vision for the future and the associated lines of action. The report is to be submitted to Parliament in autumn 2013.
Work on the future to provide the basis for the report
Proposals for the futures themes were put forward during the first phase of the project. In April 2012, the ministerial working group for monitoring work on the Government foresight report met to discuss the theme selection process and decided that work is to initiated on the following six themes: opportunities in the midst of scarcity; a new geography for the North; business regeneration; public administration as an enabler; working life in the future; and citizens' well-being and inclusion. In addition, four cross-cutting themes will be considered: flexibility and crisis resilience; necessary skills and competences; use of the opportunities provided by ICT; and the global perspective.
In parallel with the foresight report, a research project carried out by an international research group analyses changes in the world economy and ways to promote sustainable growth. Members of the group of researchers include professors Manual Castells and Pekka Himanen.
New ways to participate in the foresight report
The Government foresight report is being prepared in a participatory, transparent manner. Citizens and various interest groups are consulted. The project encourages discussion in as many different fora as possible, online and elsewhere.
During the summer and the rest of the year, bloggers will have an opportunity to spur public debate on Finland’s future direction. Information on blogs and discussions sparked online will be provided at the website of project on the future report to be opened at the beginning of September at www.2030.fi.
In early autumn, various events will be organised across Finland. This is to give citizens a change to discuss and present ideas on Finland's future opportunities.
In early 2012, an online participation tool provided a means for discussion and new ideas. The aim was to consider which issues need to be resolved to ensure that the Finland of 2030 remains a good place to live and work in. The online discussion attracted over 5,000 people who provided nearly 15,000 ideas.
Inquiries: Pekka Lindroos, General Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 50 396 3313