Timo Harakka, a well-known public figure and a sought-after keynote speaker, has been Member of the Finnish parliament since 2015.
He served as the Minister of Transport and Communications in the Sanna Marin cabinet (2019-2023), and was deeply involved in data and A.I. legislation at the European level. In 2022, Finland ranked No. 1 in the European DESI (Digital Economy and Society) Index.
Currently, Mr. Harakka is the Vice chair of the Committee for the Future, where he is concentrating on A.I. governance, data economy, and communications technology. His positions in the EU Affairs and Foreign Affairs committees provides platforms also for international advocacy.
In February 2024, Mr. Harakka joined Quantum Council of IQM, the high level advisory group of the leading European quantum computer company. He is a Certified Board Member (HHJ), licenced by Tampere Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to his political career, he was an award-winning journalist and broadcaster for more than 30 years, writing columns for all major news outlets in Finland, including Helsingin Sanomat, Suomen Kuvalehti and Talouselämä. He was the host and producer of well-known current affairs programmes at YLE, the national broadcasting company.
Specialising in international politics and economics, Timo Harakka is the author of six books, His latest book on data economy was published while still in office (2023) to great acclaim.
”Data capitalism in a time of crises” is available also in English, at https://timoharakka.fi/datacapitalism
Timo Harakka is married with three children and lives in Helsinki. He is a small-scale angel investor in start-ups and literary projects, and is also a proud sponsor of Helsinki Seagulls, the national champion basketball club.