1. User-Based Open Knowledge
Increasing E-Democracy in
Finland
CeDEM 2014
Mika Sihvonen & Miikka Sipilä
University of Tampere

2. Background
• ESF development programme: Designing
Open Learning Environments and Promoting
Active Citizenship
• Research aspect: Create knowledge about
open learning environments and active
citizens

3. Research subject
• Overview of modern tools that help citizens to
be more active and to participate in Finland
Helping in everyday life
Helping getting information
Helping in participating

4. Helping everyday life

5. Helping everyday life
Service map of Helsinki

6. Getting information
Kansanmuisti.fi

7. Getting information
Open ahjo Helsinki

8. Participation
Kansalaisaloite.fi

9. Participation
Avoinministerio.fi

10. Summary
• The current trend is to have more open
administration and to involve citizens helping in
different plannings
• Increased amount of available information and user-
centered content enhances transparency and active
citizenship
• User-friendliness is the key to activate more users.
Open data is not useable for most people, unless
there is a user-friendly interface

11. Thank you!
Contact:
Miikka.m.sipila@uta.fi
Mika.sihvonen@uta.fi