On November 9th in Copenhagen, the Cross-Border Digital Services (CBDS) programme, financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers, gathered leading voices and experts from the digitally advanced Nordic and Baltic countries to address the current- and future state of digital connectivity and cross-border mobility in Europe.
CBDS Seminar 2023, November 9th
CBDS Seminar 2023, November 9.
Sessions at the seminar, minute by minute:
- Opening Ceremony: 00:23:50
- Delivery and first-hand look at the Nordic-Baltic Handbook on cross-border data exchange 00:51:00
- Showcase of Nordic-Baltic Pilots and Proof of Concepts OOTS SDG 01:29:00
- How to enable cross-border use of eIDs? A declaration on identity Matching 02:01:00
- Digital Identity Wallets 03:54:00
- Leaving no one behind - Digital inclision in Action 04:54:00
- Public sector and artificial intelligence, an unexpexted union? 05:44:00
Graphic recording from the seminar
During the seminar we had the privilege of having Mathilde Riou recording the event graphically. The seven sessions carried out in the main hall of the conference were all captured brillianty by Mathilde. You can find these graphic recordings by clicking the various sessions in the seminar´s agenda below.
Please note and respect the copyright-notice for these works.
Introduction
The seminar aims to illuminate current far-reaching societal developments and benefits that are resulting from the Nordic-Baltic co-operation on digital transformation and how we together can meet the challenges accompanying digitalisation.
Three years has passed since the Nordic and Baltic countries declared their commitment towards creating the most sustainable and integrated region in the world. This declaration, known as the, Digital North 2.0, communicated objectives of building a common area for cross-border digital services, a fair data economy for economic and sustainable growth, and taking increased leadership in Europe´s digital transformation. Since then, several initatives on digitalisation have materialised, such as the CBDS Programme. Its target: to accelerate digital transformation and mobility in our region.
Recognizing recent developments and discourses connected to digital transformation, both at EU-level and worldwide - How far has the Nordic-Baltic digital flagship crossed amidst the waves of technological hype, concerns for privacy and digital exclusion? Moreover, what does it take for cross-border services to succeed? In Copenhagen, we wish to adress questions like these together. Both by revisiting what milestones that has been achieved by the CBDS Programme´s projects and linked initiatves, and by employing a sober eye to how the Nordic and Baltic countries may contribute to the shaping of Europe´s digital future in a safe, ethcial, and citizen-centric manner.
Nordic values are integrated in the heart of every level of our endeavours. Reflecting this, the CBDS Seminar will headlight a profile of openness, equality, and trust. Upholding these values is essential if we are to acheive our 2030 vision of a green, competitive, and socially sustainable Nordic region.
The seminar´s concept
For some of our partners, this seminar will represent the culmination or near-end of their projects, while others are just embarking on their journey. As such, the CBDS Seminar will be an arena for building new knowledge and insights, as well as inspiration for future work and increased cross-border collaborations.
The seminar will feature plenary sessions in which you may experience the official release of the Handbook on cross-border data exchange, practical showcases of the Once Only Technical System, a panel debate between Nordic-Baltic consortia that are piloting EU´s digital identity wallet, and anticipations for- and experience with artitificial intelligence in the public sector.
In parallel to the plenary sessions, the seminar offer public sector experts and relevant stakeholder to engage in topic-specific workshops. The workshops will be facilitated by the projects in the CBDS Programme, and address topics such as identity matching, versatile use of legal databases, using health services, and stuyding in another Nordic-Baltic country. Participation in the workshops is optional.
While building knowledge and new insights are on the agenda, an auxiliary aim of the seminar is to facilitate a meeting place for experts and people working with digital transformation in the region - where new relations and networks can be established.
Agenda - Plenary sessions
Sessions to be held in the main conference hall.
08:30
Networking breakfast
Program at 08:30. Networking breakfast with
A light breakfast will be served for the early birds
09:30
Opening ceremony - Setting the scene
André Jamholt , Ida Heimann Larsen, Einar Gunnar Thoroddsen
Program at 09:30. Opening ceremony - Setting the scene with André Jamholt , Ida Heimann Larsen, Einar Gunnar Thoroddsen
Welcome from the Cross Border Digital Service Programme Secretariat. High-level opening of the seminar.
Medvirkende
André is a specialist in strategic communication, media handling and training. He currently work as a senior communications adviser at the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Council. Previously, and have had previous roles as a journalist, program host and editor-in-chief within national and local media.
André will be moderating the CBDS Seminar.
Ms. Heimann Larsen currently serves as Chief of Staff and Deputy to the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers. Her previous career includes more than 20 years as a Danish diplomat with postings in Rome, London and Washington D.C: She holds a master degree in Economics from the University of Copenhagen.
10:10
Delivery and first-hand look at the the Nordic-Baltic Handbook on cross-border data exchange
Mikko Mattinen
Program at 10:10. Delivery and first-hand look at the the Nordic-Baltic Handbook on cross-border data exchange with Mikko Mattinen
Mikko Mattinen from the Finish Digital Agency will present the results from three years of working on the project “Achieving the World’s Smoothest Cross-Border Mobility and Daily Life through Digitalisation”, creating a shared model and practices for improving the effectiveness of cross-border data-exchange.
Medvirkende
Mikko Mattinen is currently serving as Director in the Digital and Population Data Agency. He also has a background in other government administrations, including the Finnish Tax Administration. His professional expertise lies in the field of digital services and leading digital transformation initiatives in various organizations. Mikko holds a master's degree in Social Sciences from the University of Turku and a EuroMBA degree from Aalto University.
10:45
Showcase of Nordic-Baltic Pilots and Proof of Concepts, Once Only Technical System, Single Digital Gateway
Mervi Kylmänen-Paakki
Program at 10:45. Showcase of Nordic-Baltic Pilots and Proof of Concepts, Once Only Technical System, Single Digital Gateway with Mervi Kylmänen-Paakki
The Single Digital Gateway (SDG) is one of the most ambitious EU eGovernment initiatives to digitalise public administration. It is then no small feat that this CBDS project, focusing on legal and technical aspects of the OOP architecture in the Single Digital Gateway regulation (SDGR), received praise from the European Commission earlier this year.
Since then, Project manager Mervi Kylmänen-Paakki and her team have ended their mission, and are now ready to share their results. At the seminar, she will present the core findings and possible ways forward. As the SDG-regulation has an implementation date 12. December, this session couldn’t be more relevant.
Medvirkende
Project Manager Mervi Kylmänen-Paakki, SDG OOP Poc Pilots Project
Mervi works as a Senior Specialist in the Digital Single Market Team at KEHA Centre in Finland and is a highly skilled and enthusiastic government official with a forward-looking mindset. She has worked with developing public services and EU Single Market from national perspective for several years.
11:15
How to enable cross-border use of eIDs? A declaration on identity matching.
Raul Eks, Ken Laas , Ismail Özkan
Program at 11:15. How to enable cross-border use of eIDs? A declaration on identity matching. with Raul Eks, Ken Laas , Ismail Özkan
The Nordic-Baltic eID Cooperation (NOBID) project works with the overall aim to enable citizens of our region to use their national eID solution from their home country, to access and enjoy digital services in another country in the region. The project plays a vital role in enhancing cross-border digital mobility and service provisioning in the Nordic and Baltic countries.
One of the key elements of achieving cross-border use of eIDs, is identity matching. As a result of the collaboration in NOBID, a political declaration was recently signed by the Nordic and Baltic ministers for digitalization. In this session, the agreed principles that constitute this declaration will be presented.
Medvirkende
Raul has a background of over 20 years in different fields of identity management. He has gained a comprehensive knowlegde in the identity domain by working in different parts of identity management supply chain. His experience involve identity management on national level, identity verification, personalization of eID means, and provisioning of eIDAS Qualfied Trust Service.
Since 2019, Raul has been a member of SK ID Solutions - a leading trust service provider in the Baltic countries.
Working as a senior management consultant at CIVITTA, Ken is utilizing his analytical skills to foster change. Over the past year, Ken has played an important part in securing a comprehensive analysis on identity matching in the Nordic-Baltic region.
Ismail Özkan works with digital identity and international cooperation at the Norwegian Digitalisation Agency. He is acting as project manager for the Nordic-Baltic eID Cooperation (NOBID) project, which is a collaboration under the umbrella of Nordic Council of Ministers, consisting of the eight Nordic and Baltic countries. Holding a MSc in business administration and information management, Ismail also has a solid background from the Norwegian foreign service. Combining his experience within diplomacy and technology, Ismail has a strong passion for multilateralism in digitalisation.
12:00
Lunch
Program at 12:00. Lunch with
Free lunch will be served
13:00
Digital identity wallets – pilots, opportunities, and challenges for the Nordic-Baltic region
Runar Ugelstad , Riitta Partala, Sarah Amandusson, Ismail Özkan , Tangui Coulouarn
Program at 13:00. Digital identity wallets – pilots, opportunities, and challenges for the Nordic-Baltic region with Runar Ugelstad , Riitta Partala, Sarah Amandusson, Ismail Özkan , Tangui Coulouarn
Last year, the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) awarded multiple consortiums with presence from the Nordic and Baltic region to test and leverage the proposed European Digital Identity Wallet. In the digital realm, the wallet is communicated by the European Union as the next moon landing, and symbolizes giant leap towards user-centric digital transformation and online autonomy.
In this session, a panel discussion amongst consortia will commence, offering insights to their work and what benefits and use cases the wallet may offer.
Medvirkende
Runar works at the National Resource Center for Data Sharing. He specializes in electronic identity and has a legal background with a master's degree in law from the University of Oslo, where he has completed his master's thesis on mobile data and sensitive personal information. Additionally, he has taken specialized courses at Bond University in Australia and studied logistics at Molde University College. He also has experience as a lawyer, where he has worked on administrative law matters, among other things
Sarah Amandusson currently serves as digital identity specialist at Digg – the Swedish Agency for Digital Government, focusing on the Large Scale Pilots for the EU Digital Identity Wallet. Grounded by an MSc degree in engineering physics, Sarah has over two decades of work experience in sectors like payments, computer gaming, and science, while holding various roles in systems development, executive positions, product management, and ice drilling. With a passion for problem-solving and technical challenges, she believes strongly in teamwork and the collective effort, always prioritizing delivering value to users and meeting their needs effectively.
Ismail Özkan works with digital identity and international cooperation at the Norwegian Digitalisation Agency. He is acting as project manager for the Nordic-Baltic eID Cooperation (NOBID) project, which is a collaboration under the umbrella of Nordic Council of Ministers, consisting of the eight Nordic and Baltic countries. Holding a MSc in business administration and information management, Ismail also has a solid background from the Norwegian foreign service. Combining his experience within diplomacy and technology, Ismail has a strong passion for multilateralism in digitalisation.
Tangui Coulouarn works for the Danish e-Infrastructure Consortium, the collaboration between Danish universities to coordinate the delivery and development of the national digital research infrastructure. DeiC is involved in one of the Large Scale Pilots the EU Digital Identity Wallet, DC4EU. Tangui holds a PhD from University of Paris 1 and has been involved in different research and other, more operational, international collaboration projects in the last 15 years.
14:00
Leave no one behind - Digital Inclusion in action, delivery of a white paper
Sigrid Jessen, Herman Walby
Program at 14:00. Leave no one behind - Digital Inclusion in action, delivery of a white paper with Sigrid Jessen, Herman Walby
The Nordic and Baltic countries are among the most digitally mature countries in the world. With this level of digitalization, also comes a responsibility to make sure that no one is left behind. Here, the issuance and use of electronic identity means plays a key role. This is because eIDs are highly related to access to digital services.
An expert working group within the NOBID project is mapping out the challenges various user groups are facing in relation to different operations on obtaining or using eIDs in the Nordic and Baltic countries. The group has also looked at existing and planned solutions for parts of these challenges. Through a collaboration with the “Digital Inclusion in Action” project led by Nordregio, this working group has extended its´ scope beyond the countries in the NOBID project to include Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland as well.
This session will give an overview of elements that impact the issuance and use of eIDs, the various challenges different user groups are facing, and give examples of promising solutions for some of these challenges.
Medvirkende
Sigrid is a Research Fellow at Nordregio, an international research centre on regional development and planning – established by the Nordic Council of Ministers. With a background in economic geography, she now contribute to an inclusive digital transition in the Nordic-Baltic societies.
Herman Walby, a member of the Norwegian Digitalisation Agency’s eID team, specializes in identity governance with a focus on elD. His work bridges national and international efforts through collaboration with a variety of partners. Herman’s work seeks to enhance digital identity security and facilitate a more digitally inclusive society. Herman has a master’s degree in eGovernance and a background from the Norwegian population registry.
14:30
Coffee break
Program at 14:30. Coffee break with
20 minute break
14:45
Public sector and artificial intelligence, an unexpected union?
Heather Broomfield , Pilleriin Lillemets
Program at 14:45. Public sector and artificial intelligence, an unexpected union? with Heather Broomfield , Pilleriin Lillemets
“In her “A Union that strives for more - My agenda for Europe” from 2019, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, stated that:
“Data and AI are the ingredients for innovation that can help us to find solutions to societal challenges, from health to farming, from security to manufacturing. In order to release that potential we have to find our European way, balancing the flow and wide use of data while preserving high privacy, security, safety and ethical standards.”
Since then, the EU has pursued an aggressive strategy for both sharing of data and AI, with several actions and initiatives.
AI is now at the top of the agenda for many Nordic and EU Countries. The possibilities from the use of AI in the public sector are undoubtably tremendous, and the dialogue, perspectives and indeed examples of use are many. But:
- Do we have a common understanding of what is possible to achieve by using AI in our public sectors?
- Do we comprehend the level of transformation this can bring to the public sector?
The Nordic social democratic model is a standard for which to strive. Is AI an opportunity or a threat to this model? Is public leadership making conscious informed choices about the direction?
Three speakers will share their thoughts and discuss these questions from different angles, setting the scene for different perspectives on AI in the public sector. Hopefully, everyone will gain new insights and questions to ponder from this session.
Medvirkende
Broomfield has experience from the public and private sector, and also from the research sector. She has extensive experience with law and the sharing of data from a driver's perspective. She has worked particularly with open data, artificial intelligence and data-driven management and economics and is now taking a PhD on how to realize data-driven management in a sound manner. In addition to being involved in specific cases, her research findings will contribute to the knowledge base of the resource center. Broomfield has a (LLM) master's degree in innovation, technology and law from the University of Edinburgh and a bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Limerick. She is currently working on her doctorate in law at the University of Oslo.
Pilleriin Lillemets is a digital transforamtion and dyber policy expert with over a decade of experience in various public sector and international organisations. She currently serves as the Chief Digital Strategy Officer at the Estionian Government CIO Office, part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. Pilleriin holds a Master´s degree in Technology Governance and Digital Transformation from Tallin University of Technology, where her research focused on the digital transformation of the Estonian public sector. She also holds a masters in Social Sciences from the University of Helsinki.
16:05
Aperitif
Program at 16:05. Aperitif with
A closing aperifif will be offered at the very end of the seminar
Seminar workshops (optional)
Time slots for the seminar´s workshops, led by the respective projects in the CBDS Programme. Do note that the latter the workshops run in parallel to the some of the sessions in the main hall. The latter three workshops also commence at the same time.
13:00
Workshop on the versatile use of the Nordic and Baltic legal databases
Aki Hietanen
Program at 13:00. Workshop on the versatile use of the Nordic and Baltic legal databases with Aki Hietanen
This workshop will be led by the third work package of the project “World’s Smoothest Cross-Border Mobility and Daily Life Through Digitalisation”.
During this workshop, Aalto University Research Group on Semantic Computing and Finnish Ministry of Justice will introduce a Proof-of-Concept of a Joint search interface for Nordic and Baltic legislative databases, utilising machine readable data formats.
The Proof-of-Concept utilises two different legal databases, the Estonian Riigi Teataja and Finnish Finlex, with the Lawsampo platform.
Welcome to the workshop to hear more on data structures, metadata, utilisation of keywords and thesauri, as well as building search elements based on life events.
Medvirkende
Mr Aki Hietanen is the Head of Development in the Finnish Ministry of Justice. He has been the project manager of the Nordic Baltic project on the versatile use of legal databases. He is also the project manager of Finlex, the Finnish Legal Data Bank. He has been national delegate in the EU Council Working Parties on Legal Data Processing, e-Law and e-Justice since 1994. At the national level, his latest projects deal with the utilization of Artificial Intelligence and language technologies in the judiciary.
14:45
Workshop on identity matching
Ismail Özkan
Program at 14:45. Workshop on identity matching with Ismail Özkan
This workshop will be led by NOBID together with Civitta and SK ID Solutions. More information TBA.
Medvirkende
Ismail Özkan works with digital identity and international cooperation at the Norwegian Digitalisation Agency. He is acting as project manager for the Nordic-Baltic eID Cooperation (NOBID) project, which is a collaboration under the umbrella of Nordic Council of Ministers, consisting of the eight Nordic and Baltic countries. Holding a MSc in business administration and information management, Ismail also has a solid background from the Norwegian foreign service. Combining his experience within diplomacy and technology, Ismail has a strong passion for multilateralism in digitalisation.
14:45
Workshop on building semantic interoperability in cross-border health services
Program at 14:45. Workshop on building semantic interoperability in cross-border health services with
Workshop on building semantic interoperability in cross-border health services
This workshop will be led by the second work package of the World’s Smoothest Cross-Border Mobility and Daily Life Through Digitalisation, "Using health services in another Nordic or Baltic country".
Presented as a case example we'll hear more on Digital Maternity Cards and utilisation of the Finnish Interoperability platform.
14:45
Workshop on studying in another Nordic-Baltic country
Riikka Rissanen, Petteri Pulli
Program at 14:45. Workshop on studying in another Nordic-Baltic country with Riikka Rissanen, Petteri Pulli
“This workshop will introduce the handbook of cross-border data exchange from the perspective of educational credentials. The agenda is flexible based on the participants’ interest. More information about the project responsible for the workshop can be found here: Improved cross-border digital services for studying abroad in the Nordic and Baltic countries (CBDS-Study).”
Medvirkende
Riikka is the project manager for Studying in another Nordic-Baltic Country / Improved cross-border digital services for studying abroad in the Nordic and Baltic countries (CBDS-Study)
Strives to find solutions and operating models to facilitate the life event of studying abroad through digitalization and cross-border data exchange.
Works as a specialist in Finnish National Agency for Education in Finland. He is intrigued to promote smooth and digital administrative processes in student mobility.