Finnish city Espoo trials artificial intelligence for community support

The AI-based dimension of Espoo's CCP has attracted external interest from many of Finland's 210 other municipalities. The project is happening against a backdrop where the Finnish government has set about reforming the country's local government structure. The merging of smaller neighbouring municipalities is a fundamental part of this reform, as is the centralisation of frontline public services such as healthcare and education. The Local Authorities Reform Bill is expected to reach Finland's national parliament, the Eduskunta, in the second half of 2019. Budget-conscious municipalities, which are to become more self-financing under the proposed reform, are eager to explore the expanded use of customer-centric digital platforms and AI solutions to reduce their operating costs.