Digitalized working environment

Digitalization in my work and future outlook

My career began with designing systems and software: web portals, early e-commerce solutions, and custom tools to streamline business processes. At that time, the focus was on ensuring functionality and creating intuitive user interfaces, with the primary goal of digitizing individual processes.

When I moved into the public sector, I encountered broader challenges. In projects for employment services and other citizen services, I learned how decades-old legacy systems are integrated with modern technologies. Seamless data exchange between agencies and systems is crucial to provide citizens with a unified, user-friendly service. I have witnessed the automation of manual, paper-based workflows and the improved accessibility of services through digital channels—regardless of time or location. However, adopting technology also requires cultural change and investment in staff digital skills.

Looking ahead, digitalization will only grow in importance. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will elevate automation and data analysis: routine tasks will handle themselves, vast data sets will become predictive services, and we’ll deliver ever more personalized citizen experiences. In the public sector, AI could, for example, predict social and health service needs, optimize resource allocation, or accelerate complex application processing. High-quality data collection, management, analysis, and above all ethical use are critical success factors.

On the flip side, we must ensure digital accessibility for all: services must be available to every citizen, regardless of digital skill level or available resources. Cybersecurity and data protection should be integrated into every development effort, not treated as separate concerns. Human-centered digitalization aims to leverage technology to enhance people’s well-being and societal functionality. Achieving this demands constant vigilance, learning, and adaptability to rapid change.

Risks of the digital society and data protection (GDPR)

An open digital society offers immense benefits for information sharing, participation, and service delivery—but it also carries significant risks. Data breaches threaten personal and organizational sensitive data—social security numbers, banking credentials, or trade secrets—and can lead to financial losses and eroded trust. High-profile breaches in Finland have underscored these risks.

Another major threat is the systematic spread of disinformation and fake news. Social media and other digital platforms enable rapid manipulation that can undermine democracy or sway public opinion. Countering this requires both technological solutions (e.g., bot detection and fact-checking) and strengthening citizens’ media literacy.

Digital inequality (the “digital divide”) can deepen if parts of the population lack devices, connectivity, or the skills to use digital services—leading to social exclusion and reduced access to services.

The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), effective from 2018, has been a key legislative response. It introduced systematic data-processing practices, proactive risk assessment, and the principles of “privacy by design” and “privacy by default.” GDPR has raised internal awareness of data protection and forced organizations to strengthen security practices. Individuals now enjoy stronger rights—access to their data, correction requests, and the “right to be forgotten.” On the downside, the administrative burden has weighed heavily on smaller companies and associations, and some ambiguity in the regulation has slowed innovation. Personally, GDPR has increased my confidence that personal data is treated seriously, though vigilance remains essential.

AI and ChatGPT in my work

I actively follow AI and language-model developments and have experimented with ChatGPT in various digitalization and IT projects. ChatGPT can quickly organize information, identify key concepts, and draft text on topics such as public-sector digitalization challenges or user-experience improvements.

However, practical experience shows its outputs are often generic and superficial, they lack the deeper analysis, creative synthesis, or contextual insight that a human expert provides. The most serious issue is opacity: the model rarely cites sources and can “hallucinate” convincing but false information.For example, when I tried to use it to help check my thesis bibliography, it replaced nearly all links with invalid ones. Highlighting the vital human role in verifying AI-generated content, and I’m certainly no fan of it.

Nonetheless, AI’s potential is vast. When used properly, it can automate routine research and writing tasks, aid in analyzing large data sets, and support decision-making—freeing experts for more creative work. In IT projects, it can speed up coding and testing; in the public sector, it can help target services and forecast societal needs. Ethical, transparent, and responsible development is essential: we must address algorithmic bias, prevent discrimination, and maintain clear oversight, ensuring humans retain final responsibility.

Self-Assessment: Learning and levelopment areas

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve identified four key areas for further growth:

AI applications and ethical frameworks

• Deepen my understanding of AI use cases in public-sector processes, including algorithmic transparency, bias detection, and impact assessments.

Cybersecurity

• As digitalization advances, cybercrime evolves. I need to stay current on emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and defense strategies.

Legislation monitoring

• Technology often outpaces regulation. I will actively track EU and national legal developments, especially regarding AI, data ownership, and platform regulation.

Change management and culture

• Technological transformation is fundamentally cultural. I aim to strengthen my ability to lead organizations through change, engage staff, and ensure successful adoption of new practices.

By focusing on these areas—technical expertise, critical thinking, ethical judgment, and a commitment to lifelong learning—I aim to foster human-centered digitalization both as an IT professional and as a public-sector