Hello, tech leaders: David Wallén, Intric

How can AI free up time for public sector employees while also improving services for citizens? David Wall, CEO of Intric, explains in our article series “Hey, Tech Leaders” how the company aims to make AI a natural part of everyday work and why a single European market is crucial for the growth of Swedish tech companies.

Please tell us how your AI platform makes a difference for employees and, ultimately, for citizens. 

– The public sector faces an enormous challenge; according to SKR, it needs to recruit 400,000 new employees by 2030—a number equivalent to all new entrants to the labor market. The demographic challenge does not work in the public sector’s favor. To meet these challenges, we need new, more efficient ways of working. That’s why we’re building Intric,” says David Wallén, explaining further:

– For employees, this involves administrative, repetitive tasks that can be made more results-oriented with AI. From assistants who help with various tasks to fully automated workflows where employees focus on skilled assessments and decisions, while avoiding administrative work and technical hassles. All of this aims to free up more time for skilled work and interactions with citizens or patients, while at the same time sparing employees from having to spend time on repetitive tasks or dealing with technical systems—something that currently makes up a large part of many jobs and is a source of stress and dissatisfaction. 

– For citizens, the AI platform means better and faster communication with government agencies, as officials can handle cases more quickly and effectively. But it also offers several services that are directly beneficial, such as AI chatbots on websites, where you can, for example, ask specific questions about construction to the municipality’s AI chatbot, which is familiar with zoning plans, building codes, and laws. We’re also currently developing a solution for future interactions with government agencies, which we plan to begin testing this fall. 

What do you see as the key to moving from testing AI to using the technology as a natural part of an organization’s day-to-day work? 

It depends on whether AI becomes part of someone’s daily routine or just a side project. It works best when the tool is integrated into a specific process, with the person who owns that process at the center. The habit only takes hold once someone takes ownership of the solution after its launch: who updates it, who handles the incorrect responses, and who decides on the next steps? It also requires time set aside in the calendar—not just good intentions. Nine out of ten organizations where AI has actually taken root have an ambassador and AI lab structure, which is why knowledge spreads to colleagues rather than remaining with just a few. That’s also why we believe it’s wiser to procure a proven solution than for each organization to build one from scratch. We take care of the technology, so that the organization can focus its efforts on putting it to use. 

What does it take for Sweden to remain a strong tech hub and create favorable conditions for tech companies to grow? 

Sweden is too small to grow on its own. We can build great tech here, but to scale, we need to be able to sell throughout the EU. Today, each country has its own interpretations, procurement rules, and data protection requirements. That costs time and money that should go toward the product. We need a true single market, with clear rules that are the same in every country and no more than necessary. The EU’s AI Regulation is intended to protect citizens, and that’s right. But it must be possible to comply with it in the same way regardless of where you operate. Sweden can champion this issue in Brussels. We have strong IT expertise, and uniform rules benefit not only Swedish companies but everyone who wants to develop AI in Europe. 

You are new members of TechSverige—what benefits do you see in membership? 

– We’re now on TechSverige’s Public Market Council, and that’s one of the main reasons we joined. We primarily serve municipalities and government agencies, so procurement and competition determine how we can grow. It’s good that these issues are discussed with a unified voice from the tech industry. The way technology evolves affects healthcare, education, and public administration, and we want to help shape that future.