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AI Gamechanger – turning AI into a strategic competitive advantage

As the pace of AI development accelerates, it is no longer enough to approach AI as just a tool. Companies have recognized the need to rethink work and processes in order to not only maintain competitiveness but turn AI into a true strategic advantage.

AI Gamechanger – Empowering Finnish companies to become AI leaders through research collaboration is a Business Finland-funded research and development project. The project focuses on management, sales, and marketing – the core of business where AI has the greatest impact on growth, productivity, and internationalization.

The project combines international research insights with hands-on experimentation in Finnish companies. The goal is to strengthen the competitiveness of Finnish businesses and position them as frontrunners in AI utilization globally.

Research and implementation

The project integrates research and practical development through a multi-phase approach:

Research and development workshops with companies
Company pilots focusing on AI agents
An international survey study
International research visits
Focus group work

AI Gamechanger will be showcased at conferences and major societal events such as SuomiAreena. The project’s results will be disseminated through multiple channels, including scientific publications, expert articles, a practical handbook, a digital tool, podcasts, interview series, and concrete recommendations for companies.

The project addresses key questions such as:

How can companies move from isolated AI experiments to structured and impactful use?
How can AI and AI agents enhance sales and marketing – and what new business models can they enable?
How will AI reshape decision-making and strategy work in organizations?
How can leadership accelerate AI adoption and strengthen organizational transformation capabilities?
How can AI drive growth, productivity, and international competitiveness?

Project consortium

The project brings together 11 companies as well as a broad ecosystem of expert, technology, network, and communication partners, including cities, development organizations, and industry associations, strengthening its overall impact.

International networks and universities support the project through researcher exchanges, bringing in the latest knowledge and global best practices.

The project is implemented in collaboration between Haaga-Helia and Laurea, with Haaga-Helia acting as the consortium lead.

AI Gamechanger – Empowering Finnish companies to become AI leaders through research collaboration

Duration: May 2026 – December 2027

Project manager of the consortium:
Anna Lahtinen, Haaga-Helia

Partners:
Abloy, Bauer Media, Foibekartano, Interbrands, MyHub Health, Posintra, Roschier, Roadari, Selko Digital, Unigrafia, 2M-IT, Cursor, City of Espoo, City of Helsinki, Henry, Union of Professional Engineers in Finland, Keuke Development Center, City of Loviisa, Loviisa Entrepreneurs, Western Uusimaa Chamber of Commerce, GrowthDrivers, Finnish Enterprise Agencies, Federation of Finnish Enterprises, Healthtech Finland, TIEKE, Trade Union Pro, Uusimaa Entrepreneurs, City of Vantaa, as well as technology companies AI Think and Sofigate.

Funding:
Business Finland, Haaga-Helia, Laurea, Abloy, Bauer Media, Foibekartano, Interbrands, MyHub Health, Posintra, Roschier, Roudari, Selko Digital, Unigrafia, 2M-IT

Research information sheet and informed consent (pdf)

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