Göran Lindsjö: "Leaders need to learn from other industries"

What is required to responsibly utilize the full potential of AI technology? In TechSweden's interview series Focus: AI, the experienced AI advisor Göran Lindsjö gives his view on the development.

Göran Lindsjö has a background in the Swedish Government Offices and has been an advisor, lecturer and trainer in AI for boards, management and politicians, both in Sweden and abroad. After seven years in the US, the serial entrepreneur is back in Sweden. 

Developments in the field of AI are moving fast. From your perspective, what trends do you currently see in its development and use? 

- The range of applications is growing very rapidly, not least in generative AI. Just as exciting is how its use is growing. The large Swedish companies that are exposed to international competition based on AI have already come a long way. They often have several proprietary applications and are increasingly taking a strategic view of AI. They also understand how to leverage the unique capabilities of AI in an empowering way rather than getting stuck in the media image of AI as a substitute for humans. These companies are in turn beginning to demand that their Swedish subcontractors, among others, use and discuss AI to increase the value of deliveries and relationships," says Göran Lindsjö and continues:

- In parallel, AI has become more visible through generative AI, so interest among smaller companies is increasing for several reasons. In the public sector, there are not as clear financial incentives, but in light of the demographic changes, a rapid expansion of AI applications will also be necessary there, at least among municipalities and regions. Those who risk being left behind are public authorities. As users in the business sector can leverage the results not only financially but also, for example, in more sustainable solutions and improved service and working environment, the gap to the best companies risks increasing and thus the perceived relevance of large parts of the public sector eroding.  

What do you think will be the next big leap in AI development and in which area will it be applied first? 

- In addition to the continued development of generative AI, AI development continues in parallel in various new tracks and as new specializations of existing areas. Applications are everywhere: climate action, healthcare, education, rural living, manufacturing, etc. But at least as important as speculating on new leaps in development, I believe that the organizations that were early adopters are moving from fragmented and organic AI growth to a more strategic view of AI. This allows you to not only realize different values in the short term, but also to gain a platform in the form of competence and ecosystem to benefit from future development leaps. 

What is needed going forward to harness the full potential of AI technology while doing so responsibly? 

- As far as the EU and Sweden are concerned, knowledge is needed, especially among leaders. European leaders need to learn from industries other than their own and from those in North America and Asia. There is a concern not only among European companies but also among politicians in North America, for example, that their allies in the EU lack skills and experience in AI. So far, the focus in the EU is on regulations and they are necessary. But the slow pace of development in the EU is not only hampering competitiveness and welfare, but also gaining experience to create relevant regulations.