Beyond the Algorithm: AI as a Business and Organizational Challenge
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often framed as a technical phenomenon—a matter of algorithms, data pipelines, and computing power. But this framing tells only part of the story.
From Insight to Impact: A visit to Hanken
DIG recently visited Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki where we brought together our researchers, executives from our partners, and innovation practitioners to explore and learn about future use of AI in business, sustainability, and collaborative innovation.
Despite Finland’s reputation as a global innovation leader, Professor at Hanken and founder of Alice Labs, Oscar Korkman emphasized that invention alone is not enough. Without a clear market orientation, startups risk low returns and premature exits. Innovation must be aligned with real needs and organizational capabilities. A key insight and takeaway from this is that innovation should be market driven, not just technology led.
AI as a Strategic Imperative
AI is transforming industries, but becoming an AI-driven organization is a long-term journey. Bjørn Taale Sandberg, CEO of telecom provider and Telenor subsidiary DNA, highlighted AI’s success in customer service, particularly among younger users. A key takeaway is that AI impacts all organizational levels, requiring a rethink of leadership and operations, referred to as “The AI Flower” to illustrate how AI affects every layer of an organization. AI integration demands systemic change and leadership adaptation.
Sustainability – a strategic responsibility
In a world with more people dying from overeating than hunger, and with ecosystems under pressure, businesses must take a proactive role in shaping sustainable futures—beyond consumer-driven choices. Sustainability must be embedded in strategy—not delegated to consumers. An important point is that political decisions are needed to define how and where we want to grow.
Data Ownership and Digital Sovereignty: A Nordic Opportunity
Assistant Professor Mekhail Mustak raised concerns about data exposure and the dominance of global tech giants. We willingly share data with unknown entities, leaving it exposed. The "Big Five" (Google, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon) have accumulated so much data about us that they nearly control our lives. This supports the case for the EU to keep our data in Europe and develop a wallet giving individuals control over their data. Could there be a place for a Nordic stakeholder such as Telenor to take the lead and for DIG to coordinate Nordic collaboration on data ownership and AI regulation.
Innovation Happens in Interaction
Miltton is a consultancy specializing in leadership, marketing, insights, stakeholder relations, strategy, and sustainability. Here we saw how innovation thrives through human connection and cross-disciplinary collaboration. A key insight is that innovation frameworks must support collaboration across sectors. DIG is expanding partnerships with institutions like Hanken reflects to support building ecosystems that foster innovation.
Final Reflections
The study tour underscored that innovation, AI, and sustainability are not just technical challenges - they are strategic imperatives. DIG is uniquely positioned to bridge research and practice, and to turn ideas into action. By leveraging our collective expertise, sharing tentative findings, and building strong partnerships, we can drive meaningful change across the Nordic region and beyond.
