7 out of 10 Swedish companies lack an AI strategy: How to increase your AI maturity

Only 8% of Swedish companies can say that they have reached a transformative level of AI maturity according to Radar (see fig.). At the same time, almost half of the companies are stuck at a basic level, with AI initiatives lacking connection to business strategy. What really distinguishes the companies that succeed from those that fall behind, and what can you do to take the next step?

What is AI maturity?

AI maturity is therefore about more than whether your employees use ChatGPT or Copilot in their daily work. It is more about how well the organisation has integrated AI into your operations. If AI is embedded in your strategy, used across multiple business areas and prioritised by management to drive innovation and competitiveness.

At Nordlo, we have noticed a common misconception among companies is that simply buying an AI licence will make them AI mature. But generative AI is just a tool – not a strategy. Without a clear link to your business goals, and without integrating AI in a responsible and secure way, the initiative risks stopping at increased efficiency for individual employees rather than strengthening your competitiveness.

Status of Swedish companies

How to increase your AI maturity – five steps

Why is it that such a large proportion of Swedish companies work with AI at such a basic, or even immature level today? We know that boards and management teams across the country feel pressured to start AI initiatives quickly in order not to fall behind. The result is often that they buy licences for tools like Copilot or ChatGPT, which can definitely increase efficiency but do not necessarily lead to a better market position.

If you want to increase your AI maturity, and thereby lay the groundwork for increased competitiveness, you need to build up technology and skills in a strategic and secure way. To do this, it is absolutely essential to invest in education and guidance. This way you know that your technical investments benefit the entire business.

If you want to increase your AI maturity, and thereby lay the groundwork for increased competitiveness, you need to build up technology and skills in a strategic and secure way. Some steps along the way:

• Connect AI to business goals. Which challenges should AI solve? Without clear direction, efforts easily become scattered.

• Map the current situation. Which tools are already used today, with or without IT's knowledge?
• Invest in training. Make sure employees can use the tools effectively and securely.
• Review your infrastructure. AI places demands on data management, security and capacity.
• Create clear guidelines. What is allowed to be used, for what, and how is sensitive data handled?

Risks of low AI maturity

Companies that remain at a low AI maturity by not dedicating resources to preparation, strategy and training expose themselves to several risks in both the short and long term:

• Shadow IT. Employees use personal subscriptions for AI tools without control. This represents a significant security risk for your company.

• Data and information leaks. AI use without control and competence increases the risk of unintentional dissemination of sensitive information.
• Unused licences. Investing in licences without employees knowing how to use them is money down the drain.
• Damaged trust. A security incident where sensitive customer data falls into the wrong hands can affect your reputation in the long term.
• Lost market share to more AI mature competitors will become more noticeable over time.

Technical prerequisites for AI maturity

AI places high demands on your infrastructure. Without the right technical prerequisites, your AI initiative becomes a risk rather than an opportunity. How to prepare your infrastructure for AI.