THL ready to assume responsibility for implementation of the Finnish Health Data Space’s data and permit function
THL is ready to take responsibility for implementing a new national data and permit function focusing on the utilisation of health data. The report published today by Sitra proposes that a national health data space be established in Finland. This would bring together health data infrastructure, licensing and research, development, and innovation activities. This is based on the opportunities provided by artificial intelligence for the utilisation of data.
The objective of the new model is to facilitate more individualised treatment, curb social welfare, and health care costs, and accelerate research and business growth in the health sector.
Three different entities
The Finnish Health Data Space (FHDS) would consist of three entities. The first of these concerns the collection of data and ensuring its quality and its secure, efficient use.
The second entity concerns the harmonisation of permits for the use of health data and ensuring the lawful and ethical use of data.
In Sitra’s report, these two entities would be within THL’s competence.
“We very much welcome the idea that THL would assume responsibility for data and permit functions. We have excellent capabilities for this, as we have worked long term to develop the preconditions for the utilisation of data,” says Mika Salminen, Director General of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.
“We have already developed a uniform data repository that serves different purposes in the direction referred to in the report, and our permit processes are also fast and flexible. This is of course would be a new and extensive task that still requires further consideration in terms of resources and the development of enabling legislation.”
The model’s third role concerns national research, development, and innovation activities, which would bring together researchers, growth companies, and administration.
Steering of the health and social services system requires more detailed situational information
The steering of Health and social services requires a more accurate and up-to-date situational picture. The Finnish Health Data Space would enable the management of health care as a whole with information.
“We maintain national health registers at THL and are responsible for making uniform codes and classifications available to the entire health and social services sector. The quality and utilisation of data will be developed in extensive cooperation with regional and national actors,” says Salminen.
The need for a new model brought about by the national health data space is acute, as the population's ageing and multimorbidity will increase the demand for services while resources are scarce.
We must be able to utilise health data effectively with the help of artificial intelligence. For example, this would help wellbeing services counties develop their services, improve the effectiveness of care, and reduce costs.
The European Health Data Area (EHDS) obliges Member States to open up health data for utilisation in the next few years, which is also spurring Finland to build its own solutions from its own starting points.
Sitra’s rapporteurs propose that the Government adopt a resolution on the implementation of the model and appoint a cross-administrative steering group for its implementation. Practical implementation could be initiated with pilots in 2026–2027.
Proposal: Fragmented health data and expertise in the field must be combined – A new national model would make Finland a leading country in artificial intelligence
Sitra press release 10 February 2026
Enquiries
The Future of Health Data in the Age of AI – Proposal for the Finnish Health Data Space (summary in English)
Sitra report
Mika Salminen
Director General
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
[email protected]
