For decades, Finland has been a model country for high technology and expertise – from Vaisala to icebreakers, Nokia, Linux, and Supercell. Now, however, this position is under threat. At the same time, AI is fundamentally transforming society: it is changing work, trust in digital services, and human connections. Additionally, the state’s financial situation sets limits on what we can do.
Why do we need new thinking right now?
Now more than ever, we need expertise and understanding of technology, AI, and business. I have a technology education from Aalto University and over a decade of practical experience developing secure software and banking services. I understand the different ways business can be conducted and the connection between all of this and society and the rule of law, which sets limits for technology.
Some of these limits are particularly valuable: they protect everyone’s privacy and fundamental rights. Privacy protection is not a brake on development, but a prerequisite for democracy.
I am Lauri Lavanti, a municipal councilor from Kirkkonummi, Chair of the Green Council Group, father of four, lead developer, and Master of Science in Technology. On these pages, you will find my thoughts on the future and what lies ahead for us.
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Greens – The True Defenders of the Market Economy
The market economy is the best known way to allocate resources. The Greens are its only true defender in Finland – real markets, not accountant economics.
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Green economic policy requires a seat at the table
Leaving the debt-brake agreement does not change the scale of fiscal adjustment — it removes the Greens from shaping how the adjustment is done.
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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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Council initiative: digital resilience
Kirkkonummi relies on digital systems for nearly all its operations. This initiative calls for mapping dependencies and switching to open file formats.
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I voted against Västra
I voted against Kirkkonummi joining the Västra cooperation. The council decided otherwise. My case: the money belongs in education, not a locked-in agreement.
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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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Lähteelä — a gem on Kirkkonummi coast
Kirkkonummi acquired Lähteelä, a coastal area. One of the few places on Kirkkonummi's coast accessible without a private boat — now permanently open to all.
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Kirkkonummi tells everyone: you belong here
Bullying of rainbow youth is increasing. Kirkkonummi voted 30–14 for flag-flying — a small gesture with measurable effects on young people's wellbeing.
