At least, that’s what some studies suggest – such as this one from BCG: Nordic GenAI Complacency.
But why is this happening? The Nordics are known for strong technology adoption, driven by high levels of education and digitalized services. So, what makes AI different? And more importantly – what can we do to close the gap with other EU countries?
A few thoughts come to mind:
📌 Risk Aversion & Regulatory Compliance – The Nordics take rules seriously. Even when data protection and AI regulations are standardized at the EU level, Nordic companies tend to be extra cautious, avoiding risks at all costs. As a result, we spend excessive time mitigating hypothetical risks, drafting AI strategies, and implementing policies that – ironically – end up preventing AI adoption altogether.
📌 Work Ethic & Cultural Mindset – We value hard work and often feel guilty about taking shortcuts. There’s a deep-seated reluctance to let someone else do our job – whether it's a colleague or AI. This mindset, while admirable, may also slow down automation and AI adoption.
To be clear, I’m not criticizing these values – I appreciate living in a society that follows the rules and working with colleagues who are highly ethical and diligent. But at the same time, lagging in AI adoption isn't ideal.
I don’t believe AI is a zero-sum game where one country’s progress means another’s loss. In fact, AI-driven efficiency could help us tackle major challenges, such as an aging population and shrinking workforce. The productivity boost from AI could help fill these growing gaps.
