Well-being and sustainable growth with well-functioning networks, services and information – Futures review by the Ministry of Transport and Communications

Abstract

The purpose of the futures review by the Ministry of Transport and Communications is to provide assessments of the state of society and matters requiring political decision-making for the next term of government. The transport and communications policy solutions will be guided by global megatrends, most significantly by climate change, technology development, the working life revolution, urbanisation, financial development and infrastructure service levels.

Transport and communications create well-being, sustainable growth and competitive capacity. The transport and communications policy of the future must encompass a brave new vision in which Finland is a global hub for the transfer of people, goods and data. Succeeding in this requires national commitment extending over several terms of government.

This futures review assesses the future prospects and actions in the field of transport and communications through four themes: services, information, climate and networks. Transport and communications networks serve as platforms for service provision and information utilisation, and they must meet clients’ service needs in terms of condition and capacity. Well-functioning routes are required to enable the flawless use of new transport services and the provision of cost-efficient transport for businesses with the help of digitalisation and automation. Climate change accelerates the deterioration of the route network. Moreover, significant reductions in traffic emissions are required.

The biggest challenges for the transport and communications policy in the 2020s will be related to route network funding, emission reductions and the coverage of communications networks.