Digitalization and data

The twin transition, also known as the green and digital transition, has been recognized as a transformative force both in the EU and in Finland. Digitalization and the data it generates are central to advancing the green transition. Solutions enabled by data and digitalization can accelerate the circular economy, reduce emissions, and promote responsibility while verifying companies’ sustainability actions. Data enables sustainability measures to be targeted where their impact is greatest.

Additionally, increasingly detailed and verifiable data about the entire food chain is needed to meet sustainability regulations and reporting obligations. Digital data also facilitates the sharing of comparable and reliable information about food products with consumers.

Data obtained from the food chain and its efficient utilization are key competitive factors for the European food industry. It not only enables the visibility of responsibility and compliance with legislative requirements but also facilitates new innovations that lay the foundation for international growth and competitiveness.

To fully realize these benefits, the adoption of harmonized data standards, such as GS1 global standards, is essential. Common standards ensure interoperability and data mobility across the entire food value chain – both nationally and across the EU. They support transparency and traceability, enable effective data sharing between actors, and help reduce the administrative burden. At the same time, they facilitate compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.

Finland’s investments in digitalization and data utilization in the food sector also contribute more broadly to the development of the European data economy. By building reliable and transparent data sharing across the entire food chain, Finland is also building a fair and sustainable data economy for the Finnish food sector.