Mobile Futures is happy to announce the expansion of our research consortium with a new work package, Trust in Futures, made possible by additional funding from the Strategic Research Council in 2024. With this addition, we are pleased to continue our partnership with the Deaconess Foundation, who has been a valuable consortium partner since October, bringing expertise in grassroots-level integration work. This new collaboration strengthens our interaction with third-sector actors and migrant communities, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by migration policies are heard when shaping Finland’s future.
Envisioning integration in 2040
As migration patterns continue to evolve and Finland faces demographic shifts, questions about the future of integration have never been more pressing. Trust in Futures brings a forward-looking perspective to these discussions, asking: What will integration look like in 2040? What barriers exist today, and how can they be overcome? What would a fair and inclusive Finland look like, and what actions can be taken now to create that reality?
These questions guide the research, which takes an innovative, participatory approach. Through future workshops, the project engages with migrants, individuals at various stages of integration, as well as Finnish-background participants in co-creating visions of a desirable future. By fostering dialogue across diverse experiences, the research provides key insights into the conditions necessary for mutual trust and inclusion.
Inclusion at the core
A defining feature of this work is its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. The Deaconess Foundation has pioneered new, barrier-free methods to ensure that even those often excluded from public discussions—such as undocumented individuals, young people outside of education or employment, and asylum seekers—can actively participate in shaping the conversation on integration. These methods are built on the foundation’s long-standing work with vulnerable communities, ensuring that insights come directly from lived experiences rather than top-down policy frameworks.
The participatory approach doesn’t stop at discussions. The workshops will generate concrete outcomes: visualized images of desirable futures, analyzed by a team of experts in participatory future work and societal impact. This research will not only enrich ongoing studies within Mobile Futures but also produce concrete recommendations for policies and practices that promote meaningful two-way integration.
A stronger connection to civil society
With the Deaconess Foundation as a partner, Mobile Futures strengthens its connection to third-sector organizations and grassroots integration initiatives. The Deaconess Foundation’s extensive network of community-based projects ensures that research findings translate into real-world impact, bridging the gap between research and practical solutions.
As societal debates around migration and integration continue to intensify, Mobile Futures remains committed to providing research-based, inclusive solutions. With Trust in Futures, we take a step towards a Finland that not only adapts to change but actively shapes a future where everyone can belong.
Get acquainted with the Trust in Futures work package and team: https://mobilefutures.fi/work-packages/trust-in-futures/
Photo: The Trust in Futures work package -team, Eveliina Junikka,
Hanna Kinnunen, Maiju Lehto, and Sari Hammar