New centre for artificial intelligence launched to promote use of AI in Nordics and Baltics

Photographer

Sara Landqvist/norden.org

Today sees the launch of New Nordics AI – a centre to promote the use and development of artificial intelligence in the Nordic and Baltic countries. New Nordics AI will strive for closer co-operation between governments, organisations, and companies with the aim of increasing the Nordic countries’ use of AI and thereby strengthening the region’s competitiveness.

New Nordics AI was launched today at an event organised by the Finnish-Ålandic co-presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. Several Nordic ministers took part in the programme, including Finland’s Minister for Nordic Co-operation, who stated that AI needs to be used responsibly and place humans at the centre, while also highlighting that the Nordic countries benefit from working together.

Nordic co-operation on AI bolsters our competitiveness in the global arena. Global competition and an uncertain operating climate underline the importance of strategic agreement. Accordingly, common Nordic platforms such as New Nordics AI, strengthen our common position and amplify the Nordic voice both at the EU level and worldwide.

Anders Adlercreutz, Finland’s Minister for Nordic Co-operation.

The Nordic Council of Ministers, the body for Nordic intergovernmental co-operation, is providing DKK 30 million in funding for the start-up of the centre over the next three years. It views the venture as a shrewd investment.

There is a clear cost associated with falling behind when we consider how quickly AI is changing our societies. We in the Nordic and Baltic countries have both a responsibility and a unique opportunity to be pioneers in responsible AI. I am therefore both happy and proud that we are taking this step now, and taking this step together.

Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Builds on unique national strengths

Thanks to a unique collaboration between five national AI organisations from Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, New Nordics AI will be a platform that promotes collaboration, provides expertise, and supports policy development on AI in the Nordic Region.

The Nordic AI ecosystem is based on unique national strengths, where ambitious initiatives are already underway in all the Nordic countries. By scaling up what works and learning from each other across national borders, we can accelerate development and boost the competitiveness of the entire region.

Iida Lähdemäki, one of the two deputy directors of New Nordics AI.

Nordic Innovation as a catalyst

A pilot project funded by the Nordic institution Nordic Innovation marked the first step towards a Nordic-Baltic AI centre, based on one of the recommendations presented in 2024 by the Nordic Ethical AI Expert Group. Nordic Innovation is a catalyst for sustainable growth and innovation in the Nordic Region and connects stakeholders and businesses to enable them to develop solutions that boost competitiveness.

The New Nordics AI centre is a milestone for our region and a concrete example of turning vision into action. It is a response to calls from Nordic AI experts for a joint structure that underpins national priorities and regional co-operation. Together, we can make responsible AI our main strength and our global competitive advantage.

Sindre Bornstein, Director of Nordic Innovation.

New Nordics AI is comprised of the following national AI organisations: