This presentation reviews Finnish research on Smart Prisons and digitalization in corrections, focusing on national findings. Finland’s Smart Prison model began at Hämeenlinna Women’s Prison and has since expanded to two men’s prisons. Secure in-cell terminals enable e-learning, health and welfare services, video contact with family and NGOs, and even VR-based therapeutic sessions. Digitalization accelerated during COVID-19, supporting rehabilitation and sustaining external contacts (Puolakka, 2022). Studies highlight improved trust and communication between female prisoners and staff in Smart Prisons, alongside women’s greater use of digital services for relationships and personal growth compared to men’s more practical use (Puolakka, 2024). These innovations are anchored in the Nordic principle of normality and human rights (Puolakka & Suomela, 2023).
The newest 2025 data from all three Finnish Smart Prisons—one women’s and two men’s—are presented here for the first time. They confirm earlier national findings: digital access supports well-being and rehabilitation but also shows continued need for digital skills training and staff engagement.
In contrast, research from traditional prisons shows barriers such as low digital competence, restricted autonomy, and limited trust (Järveläinen & Rantanen, 2020, 2025). Surveys highlight that self-efficacy, attitudes, and social support shape digital service use, while age reduces confidence (Rantanen, Järveläinen, & Leppälahti, 2021, 2022).
Finland’s Smart Prison model demonstrates how digitalization can transform rehabilitation and has become an internationally recognized good practice guiding similar projects in other countries.
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Pia Puolakka
CEO & Founder, MindTech, Finland
Pia Puolakka has more than 15 years of experience in the Finnish Prison and Probation Service. She began her career as a prison psychologist and later served as Senior Specialist responsible for rehabilitative services, including program delivery, psychological support, and spiritual care in prisons. From 2018 to 2023, she was Project Manager of Finland’s pioneering Smart Prison initiative, leading the development and implementation of secure digital services for prisoners and designing technology-assisted rehabilitation environments. In parallel, she managed the RISE AI project (2020–2024), advancing the use of artificial intelligence in corrections. Between 2022 and 2025, she led the Operative Management Unit, contributing to system-level reform and digital transformation strategies.
In 2025, Ms. Puolakka founded MindTech, a consulting company advising governments, correctional agencies, and justice organizations on digitalization and AI. Through MindTech, she has supported diverse international partners in designing humane, secure, and technology-enabled custodial solutions. A trained forensic psychologist, she integrates psychological expertise with digital innovation to promote rehabilitation, reduce reoffending, and improve prison culture. She also works as a consulting forensic psychologist for a Finnish law firm. Ms. Puolakka has published widely on digital corrections and presented at international conferences, including keynote addresses. She contributed to the Council of Europe’s expert group drafting the first legally binding recommendations on artificial intelligence in corrections, reinforcing her role as a leading voice in ethical and evidence-based digital transformation of prison systems.
