28 million people in the Nordic region, rising to 35 million if we include the Baltic countries make the Nordic countries the 10th largest economy in the world. “This is a unique foundation for the future of Artificial Intelligence in the Nordic countries,” says Karen Ellemann, Secretary General in Nordic Council of Ministers.
The future success of AI in the Nordic countries should be measured not only by the way it benefits the Nordic region but also how it contributes to setting global standards. The development of AI is progressing rapidly and affecting many sectors. That’s why it’s critical that the Nordics, as a region with strong democratic values and a high level of trust in its institutions, take a leading role in this development.
A region with a unique foundation
The Nordic region has long been known for being at the forefront of digital innovation. The Nordics have a dynamic technological ecosystem, world-class research within the field of AI, and a well-educated population. Purpose-driven innovation with a human-centered approach, where democratic values and shared social responsibility are fundamental principles, has characterized the region. Not only does this give the Nordic countries the opportunity to lead the development of responsible AI but also a duty to do so.
Less than a year ago, the Nordic prime ministers signed the declaration on Nordic digital resilience. The declaration emphasizes that the region’s highly digitalized societies and shared values put it in a unique position to address the challenges and leverage the opportunities that AI brings. Co-operation across borders and sectors is crucial in harnessing this potential. The first steps have already been taken with the preliminary project for a New Nordics AI center, which builds on recommendations from the Nordic Ethical AI Expert Group.
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While AI has enormous potential, there are also significant challenges, such as access to talent and expertise. Even now the Nordics are experiencing a shortage of specialists in AI, and the need for advanced data knowledge is greater than ever. The education sector must be adapted to meet these needs, while the region also needs to ensure diversity in AI expertise in terms of gender, ethnicity, and background.
Another critical factor is data. Although the region has high-quality datasets in both the public and private sectors, there are significant technical and legal barriers that hinder the effective sharing and application of data across borders. To scale AI solutions and maximize their potential, the Nordics must strengthen co-operation on secure data sharing and ensure a sustainable AI infrastructure that supports innovation without undermining the region’s ambitious climate goals.
The new EU legislation for AI already imposes strict regulatory requirements. That’s why it’s important that the implementation in the Nordic Region is harmonized while avoiding overregulation that could stifle innovation. AI can succeed only if it’s responsible and transparent, which means the Nordics must have robust and democratic frameworks in place.
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A shared vision for 2030
The Nordics are seeking to bring about a Nordic AI vision for 2030, whereby the region is a world leader in large-scale AI adoption, with tangible benefits for both citizens and businesses. The region should excel at using responsible AI to strengthen its companies’ global competitiveness, improve public services, make new scientific breakthroughs, accelerate the green transition, and maintain cybersecurity and resilience in its democratic societies.
The proposal for such a vision was discussed last August, when high-level decision-makers from the private and public sectors met with Nordic and Baltic ministers in Copenhagen. What the outcome will be remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the Nordic Council of Ministers is proud to be a platform for close co-operation across sectors and borders.
“We must promote innovation, ensure access to necessary expertise, and develop an AI infrastructure that’s both efficient and sustainable. This is an enormous challenge but also a unique opportunity for our region to lead the global AI revolution. Let’s take responsibility and ensure that the Nordic-Baltic region leads by example in how AI can be developed and used in a way that benefits both society and humanity as a whole. Together, we can shape the future,” according to a statement from the council.
About the Nordic Council of Ministers
The Nordic Council of Ministers is the official body for inter-governmental co-operation in the Nordic Region. It seeks Nordic solutions wherever and whenever the countries can achieve more together than by working on their own.
Artificial Intelligence in the Nordic Countries, based on a press release from Norden.org
Feature image (on top) © Norden.org/Josefine Haimburger