In this report we have outlined key insights from all six interdisciplinary projects funded under the Nordic-Baltic-UK research and innovation initiative on digitalisation of the public sector. The six projects were supported between 2020–2024, each addressing different aspects of digital innovation in public services. They have all produced impactful outputs of which the main ones are listed in this report.
Key findings include:
- DigiVet focused on improving veterinary public health through better use of livestock data. It highlighted the importance of harmonised data practices and produced tools to support data sharing and disease surveillance.
- CUPP critically examined predictive policing technologies. The project revealed risks of bias, lack of transparency, and the potential for function creep, stressing the need for democratic oversight and ethical implementation.
- NORDeHEALTH benchmarked patient access to electronic health records across the Nordic-Baltic countries. The project identified barriers, policy differences, and design improvements to enhance patient engagement and healthcare transparency.
- SOS investigated informal welfare work supporting digital services. It exposed how public sector digitalisation depends heavily on unacknowledged help from citizens and frontline workers, highlighting the need for inclusive, universal design.
- CAPE explored how public libraries can facilitate co-design of e-services with citizens. It showed that libraries can bridge digital gaps and foster civic participation, especially for vulnerable groups.
- COLDIGIT studied how digital tools enable collective intelligence and participatory governance. The project developed frameworks and practical pilots for citizen engagement in urban planning and decision-making.
Across the projects, a recurring theme was the need to address digital inequality, ensure responsible governance of digital systems, and support inclusive design. The initiative provided both practical tools and critical insights to guide the ongoing digital transformation of public services in the Nordic region and beyond.