Bridging Art and Technology Inspires the CIO of the European Capital of Culture 2026, Oulu
Tapio Matinmikko, Chief Information Officer of the City of Oulu, is a passionate innovator who would like to spend more time on rapid experimentation. The Capital of Culture year, and visual art in particular, have brought new perspectives to the role of technology
In the public sector, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions must work for everyone. Even amidst the reforms, it is essential to ensure that daily operations run smoothly: the functionality of ICT services, data security and the adequacy of resources must be guaranteed. The challenge for the CIO is that information technology is expected to be both a facilitator of operational development and a source of savings.
Even if the future is uncertain, it is important to get started and be ready to change direction, when necessary.
Tapio Matinmikko, Chief Information Officer, City of Oulu
Tapio Matinmikko, Chief Information Officer, City of Oulu
"You can't wait for perfect information; you have to move agilely,” says Tapio Matinmikko.
Matinmikko is responsible for the city’s ICT services, the promotion of digitalization and key areas of information management, such as cybersecurity and the ICT budget, and cooperates with companies and research institutions.
“This job requires experience, but also humble listening to others. One must be able to move forward, but at the same time accept that the original plan may not work. Then, we just have to change direction.”
According to Matinmikko, the most important quality of a good CIO is the capability to renew the city’s service production and the efficiency of internal processes together with the city’s management. It requires interaction and the ability to understand the big picture. The City of Oulu focuses on bringing new technologies into the everyday life of the city’s residents and employees in a controlled manner.
“The key is to support administration branches in promoting digitalization and utilizing new technologies. AI is one typical example of this.”
Development is Matinmikko’s personal passion. He would like to spend more time experimenting.
“When something concrete and visible is created, you can see that the work makes a difference. By piloting, one learns about the utilization of technology and its impact on operations as well as the risks. It quickly becomes clear which matters should be taken forward.”
The City of Oulu’s eventful Capital of Culture year has opened up new perspectives for the CIO on the use of technology.
“It’s fascinating how technology has become part of art. We have several exhibitions where some of the works have been implemented using immersive technology. The number of events in the City of Oulu has increased in general and we have made highquality AV implementations in them.”
Matinmikko believes that the role of CIOs will become even more important in the future as the importance of technology increases and new solutions are constantly introduced to the market.
“Even though technology develops, people are always people. We experience things in the same way as before, and we are all different. It must be taken into account in everything we do.”