Latest content
Our latest updates, thoughts, and events — as they roll out.
In Imagining Change Through Science – Demos Helsinki Research Encounters, we explored how science and research have shaped societal change.
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Demos Helsinki is currently involved in 14 Horizon Europe projects. From exploring the societal impacts of new technologies to tackling climate challenges, these projects reflect a growing demand for research that sparks systemic change. Discover how we are working across disciplines to shape fairer, more sustainable futures.
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These three research projects are: 1) Reducing polarisation via material participation (MaDem); 2) Coastal waters under pressure – safeguarding a healthy Gulf of Finland in a changing geopolitical and environmental landscape (CoWup); and 3) Safe Water for All (WaterFall).
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Finland managed the Covid-19 pandemic comparatively well. Yet the longer the crisis lasted, the more visible the limits of the governance system became. This brief examines what a prolonged crisis revealed about institutional strength, societal vulnerabilities, and the kind of governance future crises demand.
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Decades of low growth in Finland may be a symptom of a weakened capacity for renewal inside organisations, including the country’s top businesses. In this report, we explore the role that Finnish companies play in the current growth environment and document what business leaders think should be done next. We conclude with key recommendations for boards and executive teams to create the conditions for a renewed purpose in business, one that fits the current Finnish context and reveals underused capacity for renewal.
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Finland, like all countries of the Global North, is currently dependent on economic growth. Yet future growth may be very limited and uncertain – and decoupling it from increasing environmental harm will not be easy. Could the principle of sufficiency help us navigate towards better futures?
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Join us for an interactive deep-dive learning experience on imagining, structuring, organising and mobilising for long-term & systemic societal change. Hosted by Transition Collective in partnership with TIAL and Demos Helsinki.
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Five statements for sustainable urban mobility — learnings from Finland
December 22, 2021
Finland aims to reduce traffic emissions by 50% by 2030. To meet this goal, Demos Helsinki and partners held discussions to explore sustainable urban mobility. Key findings include the benefits of car-free living, the economic advantages of sustainable mobility, the role of compact urban design, the importance of data sharing, and the need for regulatory changes to promote low-carbon transportation options. Collaboration between cities, businesses, and mobility sectors is essential to creating accessible, sustainable transport systems that improve the wellbeing of citizens and the economy.
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For blockchain to create trust, we need public governance and regulation
December 6, 2021
Trust is integral to the functioning of any society and the legitimacy of public institutions. In recent years, the trust in public institutions has been decreasing. At the same time, blockchain technology has created hope and hype in indirectly rebuilding public trust and governance. Blockchain has the potential to solve challenges related to trust, but only when combined with (a) appropriate regulation and (b) accountability mechanisms for public governance.
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Designing policies for a wellbeing economy — learnings from Finland
December 2, 2021
Finland is developing a wellbeing economy governance model to complement traditional economic goals, focusing on citizens’ wellbeing. Challenges include overcoming siloed government structures, balancing economic and wellbeing priorities, and clearly defining wellbeing. These insights aim to inform global efforts, promoting cross-sector collaboration and a more people-centric approach to policymaking.
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