Scandinavian-Estonian Business Outlook seminar highlighted Nordic AI initiatives
On 3 December, Enterprise Estonia, in cooperation with the Scandinavian Chamber of Commerce in Estonia, hosted the Scandinavian-Estonian Business Outlook seminar, focusing on future-oriented economic and technology trends in the Nordic region.
Among the speakers was Merja Bauters, Research Professor in Digital Transformation at the School of Digital Technologies, Tallinn University, who presented an overview titled “AI Initiatives in the New Nordics”. Her presentation highlighted the Nordic countries as global frontrunners in the adoption of responsible and sustainable artificial intelligence.
According to the overview, more than 50 % of Nordic organisations are already deploying AI technologies, with Finland leading at 61 %, followed by Norway at 52 %, Denmark at 48 %, and Sweden at 45 %. The presentation highlighted that AI development in the Nordic countries emphasises inclusivity, sustainability and social cohesion, and that responsible AI is increasingly adopted by start-ups and SMEs.
Bauters outlined key national initiatives shaping the Nordic AI ecosystem, including Denmark’s AI supercomputer Gefion, Norway’s six new AI research centres, Sweden’s Responsible AI Knowledge Hub, Finland’s ELLIS Institute in Helsinki, and Estonia’s KrattAI programme and AI Leap 2025 initiative.
The seminar addressed opportunities for international cooperation related to AI development in the Nordic and Baltic region.