Elections 2025 - Ten Theses

for Human-Centred Digitalisation in Municipalities and Social & Healthcare Services

Digitalisation presents a major opportunity for municipalities and wellbeing services counties to improve the availability, quality and cost-efficiency of public services. When implemented correctly, it can reduce bureaucracy, increase transparency and make everyday services easier to access – all while supporting local vitality and driving innovation.

However, the adoption of new technologies must be based on users’ needs and experiences. Services must work in different life situations and support people – not exclude them. Particular attention is needed for those with weaker digital skills or special needs.

A good user experience is about more than technical functionality. It also requires creative expertise – visual design, gamified solutions, storytelling and empathetic design. When these are combined with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality or conversational interfaces, the result can be services that are not only functional, but also personalised and enjoyable to use.

Such solutions cannot be developed in isolation or from the top down. They must be co-created – in collaboration with residents, employees, companies, civil society and experts. When people are included from the start, outcomes are better. And often also more cost-effective: investing in user interface design and testing is likely to pay off – and pay off quickly.

Createch Finland Association presents 10 key principles to help municipalities and wellbeing services counties implement digitalisation in a way that is functional, fair and sustainable. We don’t want to give any off-the-shelf solutions, as municipalities and counties are different and at different stage of digital development. But we are happy to continue the discussion.

(Click the + symbol to read detailed explanations.)

Ten Theses For Municipal And County Elections in Finland 2025

1.Digital services must be designed for residents, not just administration

Digital services must be clear, easy to use and accessible to all residents. Technology is not an end in itself – its purpose is to serve people’s real needs, not just administrative strategies. Many current digital systems are unnecessarily complex and difficult to use. Digitalisation should make life easier, not harder, and prevent new forms of exclusion. Done right, it can lead to better, more accessible services, smoother interactions, more efficient governance and fairer access. Service development must involve a wide range of users from the beginning and include thorough usability testing.

2. Municipalities and counties should be drivers of digital innovation

From an economic standpoint, municipalities should not only procure services – they should actively participate in developing them as partners and innovation platforms. Early investment in co-creation can lead to significant economic value, especially if solutions scale to international markets. At the same time, services become more functional, as they are tested in real-life settings. Companies gain vital references for growth. The result: new businesses, jobs, knowledge hubs – and better public services. This supports long-term growth, local resilience and a thriving innovation ecosystem. However, care must be taken to avoid distorting markets or creating unfair competition.

3. Smart cities save money, nature – and nerves

Smart cities use technology such as data analytics, sensor networks and AI to optimise traffic, energy use and infrastructure. Municipalities face pressure to reduce emissions and spending. Smart solutions can improve quality of life without sacrificing services. Benefits may include lower emissions, better energy efficiency and cost savings. However, smart systems must be transparent, and privacy protection must be top-notch.

4. Digital democracy can revitalise local decision-making

Digital tools like participatory budgeting, online consultations and e-voting can make decision-making more transparent and citizen-oriented. Many feel that local politics is distant. Digital democracy can increase inclusion, build trust and engage especially younger people. The result can be stronger participation and renewed trust in local government. These tools must be co-developed with residents and built on secure, privacy-respecting infrastructure.

5. Remote services and AI can free up resources for patient care

Remote consultations, AI-assisted diagnostics and digital health screenings can reduce administrative burdens on healthcare professionals. Staff resources are limited, and technology can help redirect time toward patient care. Outcomes may include better access and more efficient resource use. Systems must be co-designed with both residents and staff, smoothly integrated into care pathways, and built with robust data security.

6. Technology can support safe and independent living at home

Smart home systems, remote monitoring, safety tech and interactive apps can help elderly people stay in their own homes longer. Institutional care is expensive and often impersonal, while most people prefer to remain at home. The result can be reduced need for institutional care and better quality of life for older adults. Technology must be reliable, user-friendly, and designed to maintain – not replace – human contact.

7. Proactive, real-time health care leads to a healthier population

Health technologies like continuous monitoring, AI-powered risk assessment and preventive digital services can detect health issues early. Prevention is far cheaper than late-stage treatment. Real-time data also improves care quality and targeting. Benefits may include better public health, cost savings and more personalised care. This requires investment in digital tools, better system integration and more flexible regulation.

8. Data must be put to use effectively, ethically and widely

Data collected by the public sector is an underused modern resource – a goldmine for building smarter, fairer and more efficient services. Health data enables personalised, proactive care and supports research and innovation. Other municipal data – such as transport, education or infrastructure – can improve planning and resource allocation. Well-managed, open and secure data fuels innovation, better decisions and improved governance. Making use of it requires clear rules, strong privacy protections and phased implementation that earns public trust.

9. Good technology is created with – and around – its users

Great digital services are not just efficient – they must meet real, everyday needs. Young people, older adults, immigrants, people with disabilities – everyone uses services differently. Design must adapt to users, not the other way around. Inclusive design and user testing are essential for building accessible and trustworthy systems. Creative disciplines like visual design, gamification, storytelling and augmented reality – combined with AI – can deliver deeply personalised service experiences. These aren’t expensive luxuries anymore – they’re the new normal. When users are truly part of the process, we get better services – and stronger trust in technology.

10. New technologies should be tested quickly, wisely – and creatively

Municipalities and wellbeing services counties must be willing and able to pilot new technologies boldly, but with care. Real-world trials allow early feedback, prevent costly missteps, and help refine innovations. This shifts municipalities from passive buyers to active co-developers. Results can include better services and exportable innovations. Public-sector involvement in the tech ecosystem becomes stronger. We must foster a culture of experimentation, accept that not all pilots succeed, and deepen public-private collaboration – blending creativity with risk awareness.

Ethical and Societal Principles of Digitalisation

Digitalisation is not just a matter of technological development – it is also a societal, ethical and human-centred challenge. From various perspectives within the digitalisation debate, the following key principles have emerged. These should be considered when designing and implementing digital reforms. (Click the + symbol to read detailed explanations.)

Ethical evaluation of technology must be part of decision-making

Before new technologies are widely adopted, it must be ensured that they do not lead to increased inequality or human rights concerns. Issues related to privacy and individual rights must be resolved in advance.

Cognitive and psychological wellbeing of users is essential

Rapid technological changes can increase techno-stress and negatively affect people’s wellbeing. The design of digital services must take into account the needs and abilities of users of all ages.

Traditional services and human contact must remain available as alternatives

Digitalisation must not mean that those who cannot or choose not to use digital services are left without access. Every new technology must be assessed for its impact on the frequency and quality of human interaction.

Technology must not add to the administrative burden on workers

The goal of digitalisation is to make work easier – not more complex. New systems must be designed to reduce, not increase, bureaucracy for doctors, nurses and municipal staff.

Inclusive participation is needed in the design and governance of digitalisation

User-centred design cannot be limited to consultant-led workshops. The voices of citizens, experts and vulnerable groups must be genuinely heard and included in decision-making.

With these principles in place, digitalisation can become a humane, ethical and genuinely useful tool – improving services for everyone, not just the tech-savvy or the largest user groups.

The Ecosystem, Information and Lobbying activities of Createch Finland are supported by a grant from the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme to support sustainable growth and vitality (AKKE funding).