DUM – New Opportunities in the Data Economy

With digitalization, business processes are increasingly based on data, opening new opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness. However, many companies still lack the skills and experience to fully utilize data, and the business benefits it offers. The DUM project plays a key role in supporting and enabling this transformation.

Integrated systems and Peppol messages help companies use data more effectively through analytics. This improves customer service and increases cost efficiency. Peppol provides a standardized way to exchange electronic documents such as invoices and orders, facilitating collaboration between businesses and the public sector.

The adoption of Peppol messages in Finland will particularly impact government procurement. It is essential that companies adopt Peppol and data economy best practices to maintain their competitiveness and continuously develop employee skills in an evolving work environment.

Objectives and actions of the DUM Project

The project supports companies through change by providing training, tools, and guidance. The adoption of new practices has a comprehensive impact on businesses, strengthening skills related to new procedures, processes, systems, and data utilization.

The project consists of the following actions:

Peppol trainers receive pilot training, digital skill badges are created, and a digital learning platform is developed.

Comprehensive training program on the data economy is designed and delivered, along with the creation of a practical toolkit.

Situational overview is created for employer-specific development paths, peer learning groups are established, and concrete development paths are developed and implemented.

In the short term, the project will significantly improve the data economy skills of key personnel in companies. Businesses will gain access to new tools and methods that support business development and foster innovation.

Innovative value and changes compared to the current state

The DUM project benefits companies by providing tools and expertise for utilizing data in business development. Trainers and educational institutions benefit from training materials and the learning platform. The public sector benefits from the adoption of Peppol messages, which streamline electronic document exchange. Society and the environment benefit as companies use data to promote sustainable development.

Building a data economic development path: an innovative approach that provides a systematic way to enhance staff skills and meet the needs of a rapidly changing environment.

Developing Peppol expertise: since Peppol training is not yet widely available in Finland, developing this expertise and creating trainer training is a significant innovation.

Identifying and leveraging business opportunities: the project aims to strengthen companies’ ability to use data in developing new business models and services.

Supporting sustainability reporting: using Peppol messages in sustainability reporting and meeting environmental data requirements is new and innovative. This helps companies comply with future regulations and improve their competitiveness in international markets.

Utilizing digital skill badges: using digital skill badges to verify competencies is a modern and effective way to ensure that skills are identifiable and recognized.

Reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainability: by leveraging data, companies can reduce their environmental impact, such as calculating their carbon footprint, and promoting sustainable business growth. The adoption of Peppol messages also supports the fight against the shadow economy.

This project is significant as it supports both local and national development in the fields of digitalization.

*Peppol (Pan-European Public Procurement On-Line) is a European standard and network that enables the secure and efficient exchange of electronic documents—such as invoices, orders, and delivery notifications—in public procurement.
Peppol messages = e.g., electronic order, delivery, and invoice messages.