Sitra proposes unified health data system to unlock AI potential
Sitra’s national model would consolidate fragmented data reserves and streamline research permits, with pilot schemes planned for 2026.
Text by Martti Asikainen, 16.2.2026 | Photo by Adobe Stock Photos
The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra has unveiled plans for a national health data infrastructure designed to accelerate artificial intelligence development in healthcare, though industry representatives have raised concerns about commercial access provisions.
Sitra presented the Finnish Health Data Space model on 10 February, following a year-long assessment conducted at the request of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
The proposal addresses Finland’s ageing population and rising healthcare costs by enabling more efficient use of the country’s extensive health data reserves, currently fragmented across regional authorities and multiple information systems.
Three-part structure
The model proposes three interconnected national entities. A National Health Data Infrastructure would collect and harmonise data whilst providing secure access to high-performance computing.
A National Permit Authority would consolidate fragmented approval processes into a single system. A National Research and Innovation Operator would coordinate researchers, companies and administrators.
“The model offers a structural solution: it enables research, innovation, individual rights and the steering of healthcare to be taken into account within a single national model,” said Professor Olli Kallioniemi of the University of Helsinki, who co-authored the report with Professor Kimmo Porkka.
The infrastructure would connect directly to LUMI, Europe’s most powerful supercomputer, located in Kajaani, northern Finland.
Timeline and next steps
Sitra proposes that the Government appoint a cross-ministerial steering group, with pilot schemes potentially launching in 2026-27.
For patients, the change would enable more personalised care and preventive interventions before symptoms appear. Citizens would gain visibility over where their data is used and simplified consent processes for research participation.
“By combining high-quality health data and high-performance computing, we can enable medical breakthroughs and better care for patients,” Porkka said.
Lisse-Lotte Hermansson, managing director of healthcare consultancy Medaffcon, questioned how commercial innovators fit within the framework.
“Many innovations originate in small companies, and their operating conditions should be clearly reflected in the proposal,” Hermansson said, warning the model could increase bureaucracy rather than reduce it.
She suggested Finland should pursue broader Nordic-Baltic integration rather than a purely national approach, noting Finland’s relatively small data population.
European alignment
The proposal aligns with the European Health Data Space regulation, adopted in 2024 and being implemented through 2028. The EHDS framework will require member states to open health data for secondary use.
“Finland has all the prerequisites to be a leading country in developing new solutions,” said Päivi Sillanaukee, Programme Director at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. “The proposal now published on the smooth and safe use of data is a prerequisite for this.”
The Ministry will now prepare a Government’s proposal on implementation based on Sitra’s recommendations.
