The Data Economy Spotlight 2026 list reflects the maturation of Finland’s data capabilities, shifting from data economy experiments toward strategic infrastructure. Data sharing is becoming a primary source of productivity for Finland.
Companies have begun to leverage the infrastructure provided by the state and public actors more effectively than before when developing data-driven solutions. Finnish companies also excel at turning regulation into products and a competitive advantage ahead of others.
The Data Spaces Alliance Finland network accelerates data economy development by compiling a list of Finland’s most compelling data solutions through an open call.
In the expert jury’s assessment, specific emphasis was placed on solutions that remove barriers to innovation and lay the groundwork for new, scalable business models. The list also features a few solutions that were already recognized in 2023; the Finnish data economy has matured, and these top-tier solutions have evolved technically, expanded into new markets, and proven their ability to generate sustained value.
The solution is interesting and inspiring from the perspective of data economy thinking, its core principles and especially new operating models. Data is shared, used and combined in new ways.
The solution creates new business, improves efficiency, increases productivity or wellbeing, or generates positive environmental impacts. The solution has the potential to scale either through growth or replication.
The solution is dependable and aligns with fair data economy principles. It ensures transparent data usage, provides data access, maintains a human-centered approach, fosters skill development, and generates value or new growth opportunities through data sharing.
Henri Hakamo
Chief Strategy and Research Officer
Finnish Industry Investment
Jenni Koskinen
Director
Traficom
Petri Rouvinen
Research Advisor, Etla
Senior Advisor, Sitra
Sanna Malinen
CTO
Technology Industries of Finland
