Over One Million Euros Invested to Research How Generative AI Transforms Leadership and Innovation in Finland

Over One Million Euros Funded for Research on AI and Leadership to Support Digital Transformation

Generative AI is changing how products are developed and innovations are managed, yet Finland lags behind other European countries in adopting these tools. Only 18% of Finnish white-collar workers use AI weekly, compared to the European average of 54%. Increasing AI adoption could add 20–25 billion euros to Finland’s GDP.

To address this gap, the University of Vaasa, JAMK University of Applied Sciences, and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland will conduct a research project funded by Business Finland starting September 2025. The project, running until August 2027, has a budget of over one million euros, with nearly €900,000 funded by Business Finland.

Focus on Generative AI in Product Development and Innovation

The research, called AI Leaders, will study how generative AI can be integrated into product and service development as well as innovation management. The goal is to create practical tools, recommendations, and models that help companies accelerate and improve their innovation processes using AI.

Product development and innovation are key to business growth and sustainability. Leveraging generative AI can speed up these activities, enhance creativity, and improve outcomes.

What the Research Will Explore

• How individuals can innovate effectively with generative AI
• Identification of essential AI skills for employees and managers
• Best practices and actionable advice based on international benchmarking
• Roles of companies as pioneers, developers, and beneficiaries in AI adoption
• International collaboration with AI-leading companies in the US, Asia, Spain, and Ireland

The University of Vaasa will focus on understanding how employees can use generative AI throughout the innovation process, aiming to equip them with necessary skills and knowledge.

Collaboration and Impact

The project will be coordinated by JAMK University of Applied Sciences and jointly implemented with VTT and the University of Vaasa. Companies involved include pioneers whose AI practices will be studied, as well as organizations set to benefit from the project’s outcomes.

Insights from this research will provide practical guidance for product developers and innovation managers looking to integrate AI tools effectively into their workflows.

For product development professionals interested in expanding their AI skills, exploring targeted AI courses can be a valuable step. Resources such as Complete AI Training’s courses by job role offer tailored learning paths to better leverage AI in innovation and product development.