Sitra supports the improvement of the productivity of the public sector with EUR 50 million and directs its investments towards the growth of Finnish companies

The Finnish Independence Jubilee Fund will focus its activities more strongly on supporting domestic growth and Finland's future success. The change is part of the financial and operational plan approved by Sitra's Board of Directors, which was confirmed by the Supervisory Board at its meeting on 25 November 2025.

Sitra will increase its investment tenfold in improving the productivity of the public sector and will allocate a total of EUR 50 million to this by the end of 2028.

"The Finnish public sector needs to be reformed, especially in the current challenging economic situation. We are living in a moment of technological transformation, which offers an excellent opportunity for renewal. By addressing this, we can also improve the quality of public services," says Atte Jääskeläinen, President of Sitra.

In practice, Sitra provides public organisations with, for example, funding, leadership coaching, foresight information and expert support. At the core of the work are operating models that can be used to plan and implement reforms that utilise artificial intelligence so that they lead to significant and verifiable productivity benefits. The work will be carried out in cooperation with public sector partners.

Funding also plays a key role. At the end of the year, Sitra will open a long-term call for funding to seek breakthrough projects with significant productivity impacts. In addition, a recurring call is carried out to fund the large-scale deployment of already functioning productivity solutions. The first round of this call was opened in November. For next year, Sitra has allocated a total of EUR 10 million in funding to the public sector productivity leap.

The aim of the special focus is for the Finnish public sector to be the best in the world at leveraging technological solutions  by 2030.  The goal is also that growth companies developing artificial intelligence solutions in Finland would gain domestic references to boost exports to other countries.

"For example, faster permit processes and the use of data also support business growth and competitiveness. New growth opportunities, and consequently jobs, may open up for companies that develop solutions. In the public sector, on the other hand, experts' time can be freed up for more demanding tasks," says Jonna Heliskoski, Project Director responsible for public sector reform work at Sitra.

Sitra's investment in the development of public sector productivity aims to achieve direct productivity gains of EUR 500 million by 2030 and indirect benefits of up to EUR 5 billion by 2035.

The decision to increase the investment tenfold is based on work that Sitra already started in autumn 2024. At that time, Sitra began to explore the wider use of data and artificial intelligence in the public sector. Public sector organisations and their management were consulted extensively in the preparation. The first Sitra-funded pilots were launched in summer 2025. The transformation programme aimed at senior management in the public sector began in June 2025.

EUR 150 million for the growth of Finnish companies through private equity funds

In the future, Sitra will also use its investments in a more targeted manner to support domestic growth and Finland's future success.

Sitra is significantly increasing its investments in the domestic private equity market and will channel its investments through funds, particularly into Finnish growth companies. In the first phase, Sitra will invest approximately EUR 150 million in 2026–2030 to support the growth of Finnish companies.

The aim of the change in investment strategy is to strengthen the Finnish private equity investment landscape so that companies can grow and develop under Finnish ownership.

 "Companies play a key role in creating economic growth. Sitra is now doing its part to enable the creation of larger private equity funds in Finland," says Jorma Ollila, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sitra, which decided on the change in its investment strategy. 

Sitra now makes all its investments through funds. At present, about 30 per cent of Sitra's investments are directed to Finland. Private equity investments account for approximately 20 per cent of Sitra's total investment portfolio.

In order to find money for new projects, Sitra aims to achieve annual savings of two million euros in its operations next year. There are also plans to further reduce the number of personnel working in Finland.

New Chairman of Sitra's Board of Directors

At its meeting, Sitra's Supervisory Board also confirmed the new composition of the Board of Directors. The new members will succeed Jorma Ollila, who is ending his term, President Tarja Halonen, and Susanna Huovinen, who moved from the Ministry of Finance to the position of Deputy Managing Director of the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities earlier in the autumn. 

Pekka Ala-Pietilä, who has a long career in technology companies behind him, was elected to succeed Jorma Ollila as Chairman of Sitra's Board of Directors. He is also chairman of the board of Sanoma Corporation and chairman of the supervisory board of the German software company SAP SE. Ala-Pietilä has chaired the European Commission's high-level expert group on artificial intelligence.

Ilona Lundström, PhD in political science, will join Sitra's board. She brings strong expertise in research, development and innovation to Sitra’s Board of Directors. Ilona Lundström has two decades of experience in government research and innovation policy.

Another new member of Sitra’s Board of Directors is Juha Majanen, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance. He has worked at the Ministry of Finance since 2002, including as Director of Administration and Development and Deputy Director of Budget.

"Sitra's Board of Directors will continue to have strong knowledge of the economy, business life and society. The new composition creates excellent conditions for continuing Sitra's renewed direction, which aims at Finland's bold renewal, well-being and sustainable economic growth," says Mika Lintilä, Member of Parliament (Centre Party) and Chair of Sitra's Supervisory Board.

Sitra is an independent fund governed by public law and is accountable to Parliament. The Finnish Parliament established Sitra in 1967 to build a successful Finland of the future. Sitra does not use tax money from the state budget. It obtains funds for its operations primarily from the investment markets.

Media conference Wed 26.11. at 13:00

Sitra's President Atte Jääskeläinen, Chief Investment Officer Sami Tuhkanen and Programme Director Jonna Heliskoski will discuss Sitra's plans to increase public sector productivity solutions and the change in its investment strategy in more detail at a press conference on Wednesday 26 November at 13:00 at Sitra's premises (Itämerenkatu 11–13, Ruoholahti, Helsinki). No pre-registration is required for on-site participation. A press card or other proof of working as a professional journalist must be presented at the door.
 
It is also possible to participate in the event remotely. Media representatives will receive a Teams link to the event by registering for Sitra's communications: sitra@sitra.fi.