Digitalisation in the city

Lead-in paragraph

With the help of digitalisation, the City of Helsinki can develop services that meet the needs of our residents in a better and faster way, while also smartly anticipating future needs.

A child and a woman sit outside and look at a mobile device. — Digitalisation helps us create a smoother daily life for city residents. Photo: Jussi Hellsten

What does digitalisation mean at the City of Helsinki?

Digitalisation means the increasing use of information and communication technology in the organisation of our day-to-day lives.
Digitalisation does not mean that the ultimate goal is to take care of everything on a personal computer or smartphone in the future.
Helsinki seeks to utilise digitalisation intelligently: digital services should be easy and convenient to use, and it should be simple to get help with using them. Traditional means of offering services should also be available alongside digital services for people that need them.

Effects of digitalisation

City residents

More proactive and individualised services for residents and entrepreneurs that want them, in many cases without filling out a single form. Better prevention of health issues, with groups at risk pre-emptively invited to receive treatment. 24/7 availability of self-service digital services and support.

City employees and management

More time for in-person interactions, as routine tasks are automated. Better targeting of areas that show the greatest need for services. Management uses up-to-date situational assessments and forecasting models to support decision-making. Using data to forecast the effects of operations and target resources more precisely.

Businesses and entrepreneurs

Companies use Helsinki as a springboard for new business ideas and inventions. Enabling smart experiments in the urban environment and bringing different players together. Businesses and communities are a more seamless part of the city’s service production, utilising data and platforms provided by the city.

Visitors

Visitors and partners can also discover the city’s services virtually, giving them the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the development of Finland’s capital.

The City of Helsinki’s digitalisation timeline

The City of Helsinki first started discussing the idea of digitalising its services and operations in 2014, in its first Digitalisation Programme. Before this, the city had an IT Programme for 2011–2014 and an IT Strategy for 2017–2010 that were the first to set out guidelines for Helsinki’s digitalisation.

2014

The initial Digitalisation Programme in 2014–2019.
2018

The Mayor of Helsinki appointed the first Digitalisation Director.
2019-2022

The Digitalisation Programme for the world’s most functional city.
2022

The Digitalisation Programme is updated, in line with the ‘A Place of Growth’ City Strategy.
2023

The City of Helsinki appoints a Digitalisation Committee for the period of 2023–2025.

Digitalisation Committee(Link leads to external service)
Currently
Future Helsinki

The service needs of city residents are met regardless of time and place.

Digital Helsinki of the future

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City Strategy

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Changes in the operating environment

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Data Strategy

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