The Social Welfare and Health Security Association of Lapland Autumn Conference in Luosto, Finland

Visitors had the opportunity to learn about different projects and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the RemoTED project was showcased with its own materials. We also paid attention to inclusivity by providing information in Northern Sámi.

"Smart Society as a Builder of Wellbeing”

The presentations emphasized knowledge-based management, different forms of knowledge, and the use of artificial intelligence in decision-making and leadership. The importance of civil society organizations in supporting wellbeing was also highlighted, as well as the potential of utilizing knowledge produced by NGOs, for example through the idea of a shared knowledge base.

A central question was how to prevent fragmentation of perspectives, as the same data can be interpreted differently by different actors, potentially undermining trust. Stronger cooperation between municipalities, wellbeing services counties, and NGOs was seen as essential.

Highlights from the presentations:

• Markus Pauni, Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities: Knowledge-based management in cooperation between municipalities and wellbeing services counties. Rapid societal and global changes challenge continuity and operations. Decision-making should be based on accurate information though even accurate information can be interpreted differently.

• Lasse Lehtonen, Director General of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela): Introduced tietotarjotin.fi, which compiles regional statistics. The importance of research data is increasingly emphasized. 

• Anneli Pohjola: “Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom” - raw data alone is not sufficient for decision-making. Knowledge must be interpreted and used wisely. A smart society is a society of learning and culture.

• Jarno Alastalo (MPH Making People Happy): The use of AI is increasing, and understanding it is becoming a civic skill. It is important to consider the sources and principles on which algorithms produce knowledge. AI is not creative in itself but reflects society.

• Aila-Leena Matthies, University of Jyväskylä: Social and healthcare NGOs support democracy and cooperation, playing an important role in society. Within wellbeing services counties, social services risk being overshadowed by healthcare. NGOs provide opportunities for participation, not just service use.

• Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Minister of Social Security: Highlighted three current priorities: reform of social security, preparedness, and the freedom of choice pilot for people over 65 regarding access to doctors.