Today marks the launch of New Nordics AI – a center dedicated to promoting the use and development of artificial intelligence across the Nordic and Baltic countries. New Nordics AI aims to foster closer collaboration between governments, organisations and businesses, with the goal of increasing AI adoption and strengthening the region’s global competitiveness.
The launch took place today at an event organised by the Finnish-Åland presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. Several Nordic ministers took part in the programme, among them Finland’s Minister for Nordic Collaboration, who stated that AI must be used responsibly, with the human perspective in focus – and that our region has much to gain by joining forces in this effort.
The Nordic Council of Ministers – the official body for intergovernmental cooperation in the Nordic region – is funding the center’s startup phase with DKK 30 million over three years, viewing the investment as a wise and strategic move.
Considering how rapidly AI is transforming our societies, there’s a clear cost to falling behind. We in the Nordics and Baltics have both a responsibility and a unique opportunity to take the lead in responsible AI. I’m both happy and proud that we are doing this now – and that we’re doing it together.
–Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Through a unique collaboration between five national AI organisations from Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland and Sweden, New Nordics AI will serve as a platform that fosters cooperation, provides expertise, and supports policy development around AI in the region.
Nordic Innovation as a catalyst
The first step toward establishing a Nordic-Baltic AI center came through a pilot project funded by Nordic Innovation, based on recommendations from the 2024 initiative Ethical and Responsible AI. Nordic Innovation acts as a catalyst for sustainable growth and innovation in the Nordic region by connecting stakeholders and industries to develop solutions that strengthen competitiveness.
The organisations represented in New Nordics AI: AI Sweden (Sweden), AI Finland (Finland), Digital Dogme (Denmark), TEK Norge (Norway) and Almannarómur (Iceland). Information on the Baltic representation is expected to follow shortly.
More information: www.newnordics.ai
