”Currently, companies in Southwest Finland are primarily utilizing AI language models for personal tasks, such as searching for information online or in emails. AI is used to create and edit text content or translate text from one language to another. Some companies also create graphics for their marketing needs. Therefore, the majority of usage is focused on individual tasks”, says Petri Syväjärvi, Chairman of the ICT Industry Group at the Turku Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Lounea Yritysratkaisut Oy.
The survey was conducted among CEOs of Turku Chamber members in February. The results of the survey are similar to last year’s survey, with some questions showing a worse situation.
”This year, about 10 percent rate their company’s readiness to utilize AI as very poor, whereas a year ago the corresponding figure was about 5 percent. This is likely influenced by the rapid development of technology”, says Olli Hakala, Chief Liaison Officer and the secretary of the ICT Industry Group at Turku Chamber.
Companies that are already leveraging AI as part of their core business gain a significant advantage over their competitors. About one in ten companies, according to the survey, has a budget for AI utilization. The figures remained the same as in last year’s corresponding survey. Nearly as many companies also measure the value AI brings to their business. Nearly one-fifth of companies report that they do not plan to utilize AI.
”The utilization of AI seems to be slipping further into the future for more and more companies, and this will eventually be reflected in the company’s competitiveness and profitability.”
”It is natural that there are industry-specific differences in the utilization of opportunities, but since AI can already be utilized almost for free and can save personal free time, this is inevitably a matter of the company’s management’s will, competence, and attitude”, notes Syväjärvi.
Ninety-eight representatives of member companies of the Turku Chamber of Commerce responded to the survey. The survey results were presented at the ICT2025 seminar on March 6, 2025.