What lies ahead for health and welfare?

THL’s freshly published foresight report highlights a host of future views on health and welfare in Finland from several angles.

Amidst the continuing positive development in many issues of health and well-being, several issues cast their shadows on the horizon.

Two specific topics arise. The ageing population and the situation of children, young people and families and their increasingly multi-faceted needs for health and social services call for attention.

Other future worries include the increasing disparities in health and well-being between population groups, instability of economic development, climate change, the good and adverse outcome of technological development, progress of globalization and the diminishing space for national action, diversification of basic values and uncertain outcome of administrative and structural reforms.

Strategic foresight is an important tool within THL in evaluating the changes in the operational environment and their effect on the institute’s strategy. The annually published report is meant for a wide readership, ranging from decision makers and social and health professionals to the whole population. It aims to boost strategic thinking at THL and be of help for the THL strategy update in 2015.

More information

Jouni Varanka
Development Manager
THL, Strategy and Development Unit
Tel: +358 29 524 7983

Future Views on Health and Welfare, 2012
(English summary of the foresight report)

Health brings welfare - 2020 - Welfare brings health (PDF 123 KB)
THL Strategy for 2011 -2020