The overarching aim of the initiative has been to combine knowledge-based, digital innovation efforts with research on the related effects and impact on society and end-users. This should be based on factors that enable digital transformation of public sector: emerging technologies, organisational practices and regulatory frameworks as well as governance mechanisms.
The key findings and outputs displayed in this report show that the funded projects have already contributed in different ways to the aim of the call and more publications are still underway. The self-reported Nordic added value highlights that the projects find the collaboration to have contributed to the research ecosystem by enhancing scientific quality and building on particular strengths of researchers in the Nordic, the Baltic countries and UK.
The projects also set light on the challenge of cross-border sharing of sensitive data from different angles. Digital inclusion is a priority for the Nordic Council of Ministers. By addressing digital inequality and integrate digital inclusion in all parts of the digitalisation of the public sector the projects have provided relevant insights for Nordic cooperation and societies in the participating countries.
In the years since the call was announced, the digital transition has rapidly changed our region, identifying further need for Nordic and Nordic-Baltic collaboration and research on our digital future. From 2025, MR-Digital is a permanent part of the co-operation within the frameworks of the Nordic Council of Ministers and includes also the Baltic countries at ministerial level.
In the coming years, The Nordic Council of Ministers and NordForsk will continue the focus on digital inclusion, green transition, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology through different initiatives.