Finland's strength has always been its people and their skills. In the AI era, enlightenment has to stay seamless — from early childhood education through working life and all the way to retirement — so that everyone can develop their potential to the full. That way, AI's productivity gains compound for the whole of society, and no one gets left behind.
Education is not a cost item to be trimmed when the budget tightens. It is central infrastructure for the whole post-AI era. Cuts to teaching, to libraries, to vocational training and to continuing education are paid back tenfold when the labour market shifts faster than people can learn new things.
Seamless enlightenment means learning never stops — it stays possible whatever stage of life you are in. AI makes that path vastly more important. The country that keeps the path open for everyone gets the full potential of its people. That is a stronger foundation than any other competitive advantage.
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AI helps secure municipal services, but it is not free
In Konnevesi, AI cut processing time for road grants from two months to days. Kirkkonummi is too small to act alone — but collaboration makes change possible.
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AI changes what developers get paid for
AI does in two minutes what used to take a developer two weeks. The price of code is collapsing — but what will developers get paid for instead?
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2026 is the year of AI
AI is changing society — but perhaps not as you imagine. The biggest changes will be in private life and in the everyday lives of children.
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AI cannot do everything
AI has been presented as a solution for improving public services. It may have a role, but cannot replace people or clear strategic planning.
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A cold harvest for Kirkkonummi — a weak budget
The government's mid-term session cut state subsidies and corporate tax. This significantly narrows the room for manoeuvre for local councils.
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Education is the municipality's most important task
Education is the municipality's most important task. Investment in education pays off far into the future — there are no quick wins.
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Is education under special protection?
Education is being cut deeply, despite government claims to the contrary. Index increases and legal reforms do not cover hundreds of millions in cuts.
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One step forward, two steps back
The government is making necessary reforms to upper secondary education, but they do not compensate for €120 million cuts to vocational education.
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The municipality must plan for the long term
Municipalities must plan for the long term. Short-sighted decisions lead to extra costs and poorer services for residents over time.
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Well planned is half done, but…
The Gesterby school complex project plan has been returned for further preparation three times. Six years of planning, still no new building.
