Government Report on the Future

Each electoral term, the Government submits to Parliament a Report on the Future, which aims to identify issues that will be important for decision-making and require particular attention in the future. The report also serves to open up debate for the years ahead. The first Government Report on the Future was published in 1993.

The report provides a basis for broader public debate and for the strategic futures dialogue between the Government and Parliament on both the ministries’ foresight activities and the key themes selected by the Government.

Drawing up the Report on the Future

The Report on the Future is drawn up in two parts. The first part deals with the ministries’ joint foresight activities, the purpose of which is to create an understanding of future developments. The second part discusses one or more key issues identified in the ministries’ foresight activities and explores possible solutions.

The ministries’ joint foresight working group plays a key role in drawing up the first part of the Government Report on the Future. The Prime Minister’s Office coordinates the group's work, and representatives from the ministries work together with experts in their administrative branches and networks. There is also close cooperation with the National Foresight Network, the EU-wide Foresight Network, the Government Foresight Group and a variety of national and international experts.

Government Report on the Future 2023–2027

The Orpo Government’s Report on the Future is now being drawn up in line with Parliament’s resolutions.

The first part of the Government Report on the Future produces shared information on foresight and the operating environment. This common view on the overall picture of the external operating environment analyses uncertainties related to future developments by

• identifying drivers of change and uncertainty affecting Finland’s future and analysing and describing them; and 
• exploring alternative paths of development or scenarios up to 2045, analysing their impacts and considering how best to prepare for them.

The first part of the report forms the basis for the ministries’ joint and continuous foresight and monitoring of the operating environment. The preparation of the report builds a shared understanding of future challenges and opportunities and improves opportunities for strategic planning and decision-making in all administrative branches and at all levels.

The second part of the Report on the Future explores a key theme selected by the Government. In this part of the report, the Government can formulate policy guidelines and highlight the issues it considers most important for further consideration. A political steering group has been appointed for the report.

The report can be used to support risk management, preparedness, situational awareness and decision-making by the Government and its ministries more broadly, and as a tool for identifying research needs.

The preparation of the report creates a proactive operating culture and strengthens the capacity to operate in an increasingly fragile and complex world.

Government Report on the Future – Analysis of the Operating Environment

The analysis of the operating environment in the first part of the Government Report on the Future discusses the geopolitical, economic, environmental, social, technological and legislative changes that will affect Finland’s future and explores their potential impacts.

The goal of the analysis is to support the strategic decision-making of the Government and all central government organisations. A shared understanding of the overall picture of the strategic operating environment supports the Government’s consistent, coherent and long-term approach to decision-making.

The analysis of the operating environment does not represent the official position or views of the Government or its ministries.

The Government published the analysis of the operating environment on 22 November 2024. The analysis will be published in English once the translation is complete.