Nordic Innovation at 50 – AI important now, but where are we in 2073?

Last year Nordic Innovation turned 50. It was marked by the publication of “Innovation in the Nordics 1973 – 2023”, a history of the organisation’s life presented in book and digital formats.

The chapter about the 1980s has the apt title “The Global Tech Race”. Information technology was a hot theme internationally and in the Nordics. The history talks about how Nordic Innovation played an important role in promoting Nordic computer technology through several innovative projects. Between 1985 and 1989, 130 million Norwegian kroner (€11m) were awarded to 50 projects.

The same chapter tells the story of “Early AI in Finland” which is about a development project for the use of AI technology in cancer treatment.

What about the next 50?

When Nordic Innovation turned 50, the organisation did not only look back but used the opportunity to ask: “How do you think the world will look 50 years from now, in 2073?”

We put the same question to Svein Berg, CEO of Nordic Innovation. His answer:

“If we have the same rate of development, only faster, it is hard to predict how the world will look in 50 years from now. And that is perhaps just as well?” 

While it is of course difficult to say something concrete about the future, Berg believes one thing is certain.

“The fact that developments are happening at an increasingly rapid rate,” he says.

Must bring Nordic added value

Svein Berg is originally from Svolvær in Norway. He became CEO of Nordic Innovation in 2017. When his period is over in March next year, he will be leaving Nordic Innovation – perhaps even earlier if a new leader is hired before that time. 

Before joining Nordic Innovation, Berg held various positions in Innovation Norway. He went from innovation from a Norwegian perspective to a Nordic perspective. 

Nordic Innovation only engages in activities where there is Nordic added value. And what do they mean with Nordic added value? This is how they describe it on their website:

Nordic added value is for instance creating a strong Nordic market, testing and spreading Nordic solutions, developing or strengthening common Nordic guidelines and standards or strengthening the Nordic brand internationally.

“We look for areas where we can make societal change. We do not, for instance, look for companies that want to develop a slightly improved filleting machine – although that too is important. It is not a project that will change the Nordic region,” adds Berg.

He points out that the Nordics in several areas gain advantages by working together. One of many examples is the development of an electric aircraft.

Several major Nordic airlines and Nordic Innovation collaborate on the development of electric aircraft. Illustration: Heart Aerospace

“No single company can do this alone. That is why we have brought the players together and helped finance the cooperation.

Good at collaborating?

We take it for granted that we are good at collaborating in the Nordics, thinks Berg. But this is not necessarily straightforward, he says. Last year, when Berg was a guest on Innovation Norway’s podcast, he was asked: “Are we in the Nordics good enough when it comes to collaboration?”

Berg’s answer:

“No. We overestimate our own knowledge about the opportunities that lie on the other side of the border. We more or less speak the same language as the Swedes and Danes. Not the same language as the Finns and Icelanders, but we think it will be just so easy to talk to a Swedish company. But traditions in Norway, Denmark and Sweden, how we approach a collaboration project, differ.

“We tend to underestimate the historical working methods in the different Nordic countries. So even though the languages seem to be similar, we have some way to go before we have the same opportunities as you have internally in a country.”

Must be onboard the AI train

Berg thinks it is natural to talk a lot about AI these days. He also believes it is right that the Nordics jump on the train of development when it sets off. It is still perhaps not right to strive to be in the driving seat when it comes to development, according to Berg.

He thinks it is more important that we learn how to use AI in ways that make work processes more efficient, for instance.

Nordic Innovation has set up the Nordic Ethical AI Expert Group, comprising 23 Nordic experts tasked with developing an action plan for how the Nordic region can become a leader in ethical AI. The group was also asked to present some recommendations and presented the results of its work just before the summer.

Berg believes AI has created an increased need for critical thinking.

After nearly eight years as CEO for Nordic Innovation, Svein Berg will be leaving later this year or early next year. 

“Do we allow ourselves to be dazzled by the huge potential in AI and fail to see the risks that are not being sufficiently considered, he asks, and follows up with another question:

“What is the alternative? If we want to be part of the global competition, we cannot opt out. But we need to find a responsible way of doing this thing.”

A lot more AI coming

Right now, Nordic Innovation is making a plan for what the organisation should be doing in the coming years. And although much of it will be happening after Berg has left, he is certain much of the plan will be about far more than AI.

“The green transition, digitalisation and internationalisation will be the main priorities,” he says.