Beyond the hype – Time for AI realism
Tietoevry Create’s AI Review 2025 reveals that business and tech leaders now seek AI realism. Explore the findings on how AI is being adopted across Finland and Sweden.
How AI is changing Nordic organizations
The journey is well underway, but the destination still takes shape
As AI is used more and more, considerable hype around it has led to blurred perceptions of its real impact. We felt it was time to pause and reflect on the current state of AI together.
Our review of the current state of AI aims to find out how organizations in Finland and Sweden are adopting AI, and what is holding things back. Through this review, our goal is to provide a realistic perspective on both the current state and outlook of AI.
- What’s the status of AI adoption, and how are organizations progressing?
- How do decision-makers evaluate the impact of AI on their business?
- What are the use cases where AI is currently delivering value?
- What challenges are hindering its implementation?
It’s high time for grounded conversation! At Tietoevry Create, we call this AI Realism: a healthy, critical approach to AI that tempers enthusiasm with strategic reflection. The key question is no longer what AI can do in general, but what it should do for your organization specifically.
Download our AI Review 2025 to gain actionable insights into AI implementation and its impact.
AI realist’s checklist
Start small, learn fast
With emergent technology, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Piloting and experimentation are not optional – they’re the only way to learn what works in your organization.
Get your data in order
Your data is your treasure and the fuel of AI. By combining technical innovation with clear guidelines and frameworks for data management, we can foster the ethical and responsible use of AI.
Lead AI like any strategic asset
Move from experimentation to scaling demands leadership. At a certain maturity level, moving from pilots to production requires commitment at the top.
AI in use, but not yet at scale
Although generative AI tools are available in many organizations, only 7% report that they are widely adopted by employees.
So far, only 17% consider AI’s overall business impact significant.
As Nordic organizations continue navigating the opportunities and challenges brought by AI, we can clearly state: the journey is well underway, but the destination is still taking shape.
Widespread, enterprise-level adoption is still rare, largely due to ongoing challenges in integrating AI into core business operations. The major barriers are secure data management and adapting AI to fit existing systems, all under shifting regulatory conditions.
For an AI realist, the next step would be to understand how this transformation plays out in your workplace. This requires leadership and a culture that promotes inclusion, people involvement, and cross-functional collaboration.
One key issue that I believe is focused on far too little is how we ensure that AI solutions are fit for the business processes.
Even though we expect AI to be a game-changer in many ways, the technology is still a means to an end; we should still focus first on improving processes to enhance customer and business value.
- Jukka Moilanen, Business Lead, AI & Automation, OP Financial Group
Boosting efficiency – for what purpose?
Efficiency is the most cited driver for AI adoption, as mentioned by 65% of the survey respondents.
However, many organizations still need to define what efficiency gains are meant to be unlocked by AI – whether it’s space for innovation, an extra helping hand, or simply a more enjoyable and meaningful workday.
As most companies have yet to embed AI as part of their core business strategy, its long-term impact remains uncertain.
We’re moving toward more autonomous agents that can handle complex tasks with minimal human input. The future looks increasingly declarative – we’ll focus on goals, and the technology will take care of the how.
This shift could reshape functions like HR, marketing, and internal operations. Just as smartphones extended our minds, agents will extend our capabilities even further.
- Thomas Rosqvist, Global Director – AI Enabled Future, Tietoevry Create
It often comes down to proving ROI – can we clearly show that this improves efficiency, saves time, and delivers real value?
Many initiatives start as promising tech ideas but turning them into measurable savings remains a challenge.
- Linda Örtlund, Director Digital Engineering & Innovation, AI Center of Excellence, SKF
AI with integrity
In both Finland and Sweden, nearly two-thirds of organizations are fairly or very concerned about the security threats associated with AI. Many organizations are already actively working to mitigate these risks. However, some remain hesitant to fully implement AI due to unclear regulations and uncertain data policies.
While ethical and safe AI use is top of mind for many organizations, specific strategies for responsible development and use of AI are still in early stages.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to the safe and responsible use of AI, but no one has to navigate it alone. AI will shape the future, and how it does that is still up to us.
I encourage everyone to engage in open, transparent dialogue. And the question isn’t only what AI can do, but what it can enable. Together, we can help build ethical, human-centered AI that serves our goals and values.
- Niklas Johansson, Strategic Director for AI Engagements, Tietoevry Create
Download the AI Review 2025
Gain practical insights into AI implementation and its impact.
At Tietoevry, we believe it’s time to shift perspective. It’s not about what technology can do anymore — but what it should. So that the futures of businesses, societies, and humanity can live and thrive. Side by side.
