Stimulus
Finland's information society strategy concept dates back to work performed by the Information Technology Advisory Board (1976-1991). A review of Finland's IT and telecommunications policies was undertaken by the OECD from 1990-92. The OECD concluded that although Finland had reached an extraordinary level of information technology and telecommunications penetration and expertise, it lacked a clear strategy in those areas. In response to the OECD's finding, the government assigned the Ministry of Finance to create a strategy. The strategy was prepared during 1994.
For the latest report from the Ministry of Finance, go to Finland's way to the information society - The National Strategy and its Implementation.
Customers
The advancements and usage of information technology in Finland come primarily from the universities and business industry. Students at the universities propel the interest in new technologies. Some universities set up special departments specifically for new technologies. One example is the Multimedia Research being conducted at the Helsinki University of Technology.
The government ensures that the best products are available to benefit the citizens of Finland. Since Finland is a country of small size. Its stature makes it a suitable environment for control of undeveloped technologies.
The consumer is one of the main driving factors for the evolution of technology within Finland. The Finnish citizen is highly interested in new technology. One might even say that they are "crazy for new things." Since Finland has historically been a test market for new technologies, the people are used to the change new technology brings.
Cultural Attributes
o Education and
o Public spending on basic research
These are the main reason Finland can excel in the technology sector. Children are exposed to new technologies at a young age. They participate in a multimedia television program called "Galilei and the Lost Toys." University students have access to cutting edge technologies through their attendance at Finland's universities. Smart cards are used in long-distance bus travel throughout the country.
David Farber, a University of Pennsylvania telecommunications professor was cited in a New York Times article: "Technically, Finland is a leader in the telecommunications area. They have the first public Internet access capability and have the highest penetration of cellular in the world."
Minna Puirava, a project manager in marketing studies at the University of Tampere, says that because Finland is small, homogeneous and has a high level of education, Internet use is becoming a part of the deomcratic access in society to government and institutions.
Both citations from Finland Setting the Pace in Information Technology.
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Last Update: 5 May 1997