The next decade of AI, education, and food tech in the Nordics

Insights|August 21, 2024

As we look ahead to the next decade, the Nordic region faces critical questions about the future. The integration of advanced AI technology into our lives is transforming our relationship with our bodies and minds, forcing us to rethink our understanding of identity and capabilities. Balancing innovation with ethical and social values will be essential as we navigate these changes. The choices we make today will not only influence our personal lives but also shape broader societal developments.

Simultaneously, the rapid pace of technological change demands that we constantly adapt our skills to remain relevant. The traditional concept of education leading to a lifelong career is being replaced by the need for continuous learning and reskilling. This shift raises an important question: How can we prepare ourselves for a future where learning never stops?

Understanding what skills will be essential in the future and how we can develop them is crucial. Moreover, with increasing awareness of sustainability and the impact of climate change on agriculture and food supply, food tech offers innovative solutions to meet the world’s growing food needs. By leveraging technology to produce food more efficiently and sustainably, we can address global challenges such as food security and environmental impact.

To delve deeper into these themes, we spoke with three experts who will be sharing their insights at the upcoming House of Many Voices event, arranged at our Helsinki office at the end of August. Below, they share their perspectives on where we are headed in the next decade and how we can navigate the challenges ahead.

Pii Telakivi, Philosopher, University of Turku & University of Helsinki
Topic: Mind, Body, and the Machine

Your research focuses on the intersection of the human mind and AI. How do you envision the relationship between humans and technology evolving in the coming years?

New technologies, such as machine learning systems and other “smart” technologies, profoundly impact our societies, institutions, and social practices, and us as individuals. I believe that in the coming years, we will likely learn to use current, still-new AI applications more effectively and creatively – there is a full range of possibilities we haven’t yet fully grasped. This is not just about making our lives easier; it’s about fundamentally changing how we interact with the world around us.

As technology becomes more integrated into our lives, what potential challenges do you see regarding the health and well-being of people?

AI technologies often come with “responsibility gaps,” where it is not apparent who is responsible (or legally liable) for negative outcomes. For example, if a therapy chatbot advises a young person in a way that makes their situation worse, who is responsible? Whether technology brings well-being or misery depends on who is using it, their skills and resources, and whether they live in a democratic country. White, educated young men often benefit, while others, like low-paid workers in Nigeria who train large language models (LLMs) – the AI systems behind tools like chatbots – end up losing out. It’s crucial to ask: How do we ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably, without leaving vulnerable populations behind?

Looking forward, can you imagine an extreme scenario for the future where technology and human enhancement have significantly altered society? How far could we go?

At least in many areas of society and social interactions. Although, of course, new technologies have always had this effect. Think about the contraceptive pill, for instance. It completely transformed society by increasing gender equality and weakening the traditional role of marriage. These technologies are not in a vacuum; they change our societies and us. That’s why we need to stay vigilant and cultivate AI literacy among the public.

Fredrik Hillelson, CEO & Founder at Novare
Topic: Reskilling for the Future

You will be discussing the importance of reskilling throughout one’s life. As a recruiter, you have a deep understanding of career development. How has the need for continuous education evolved over the past two decades?

The world of work has changed a lot in the last twenty years. Technology, globalization, and changing economies have made the old model of having one career for life outdated. Today, industries move fast, and the skills that used to last a whole career are no longer enough. Now, continuous learning and reskilling are necessary, not just for growth, but for staying relevant. This shift means we all need to think of our careers as ever-evolving journeys, rather than a single, static path.

Digitalization, automation, and AI have made reskilling even more important. Employees need to keep up with new tools and technologies to stay competitive. The idea of a ‘job for life’ has turned into a ‘career portfolio.’ People now switch roles, industries, and even careers more often. This means they need to be committed to lifelong learning and ready to pick up new skills quickly.

Which skills do you see becoming more critical?

Two types of skills are in high demand: technical skills and soft skills.

For technical skills, digital literacy is key. It’s more than just basic computer skills. It’s about understanding data, cybersecurity, digital marketing, coding, and so on. As AI and automation grow, skills in AI management, machine learning, and robotics – technologies that enable machines to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence – will be crucial. Managing digital systems will be important across all industries.

But technical skills alone aren’t enough. In a world where automation is common, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are what make people stand out. Working well in diverse teams, communicating clearly, and leading with empathy are vital. As work becomes more global, being culturally aware and adaptable is also important. In essence, the future of work isn’t just about what you know, but how you think and interact with others.

Annamari Arrakoski-Engardt, CEO at John Nurminen Foundation
Topic: Feeding the Future

Your session will focus on ‘Feeding the Future’. Can you share what this topic means to you, particularly in the context of global challenges like food security and environmental sustainability?

Future food production and security are enormous global challenges that require a holistic approach. It intertwines environmental sustainability, economic growth, business opportunities, and agricultural innovations. As climate change intensifies and resources become scarcer, we must rethink how we produce, distribute, and consume food. Sustainable practices aren’t just an option – they are essential for having enough food to feed the planet. This isn’t just about feeding people today; it’s about ensuring our planet can feed generations to come. Oceans could play a crucial role in sustainable food production, especially when integrating new innovations and technology. To change the global food production chain requires tough decisions from politicians and courage from all of us to create a resilient food system that serves both people and the planet.

Agtech, or Agricultural Technology, has played a significant role in enhancing farming practices. In your view, what has been the most impactful technological advancement in agriculture over the past decade, and how has it addressed challenges related to climate change and food security?

I believe that cell culture – a technology that allows us to grow animal cells in a lab to produce meat without the need for livestock – will be the most impactful technological innovation when it is used on a larger scale. Also, the less tech-intensive but highly effective reform in traditional farming, namely regenerative farming – a system of farming principles and practices that seeks to rehabilitate and enhance the entire ecosystem of the farm – helps us become more resilient with climate change and food security. I would argue that data and the use of AI have also started to slowly but surely revolutionize farming. Today, farmers can benefit from various technologies to optimize the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides. This could lead to more sustainable farming practices. However, it’s important to remember that big changes take time, particularly when they involve shifting our mindset and habits. At the John Nurminen Foundation, we have promoted less technological but effective methods to prevent agricultural waste and manure runoff into the Baltic Sea. In the long run, the reduction of nutrients leaking into our water bodies will benefit both farmers and the entire food supply chain.

These topics, along with many more, will be explored in depth at the House of Many Voices. We invite you to stay tuned for more insights from our speakers, which will be shared across our channels in the coming weeks. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with these critical discussions and learn how we can collectively shape a better future.

Check out the topics of previous events

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R Season Starter: A House of Many Voices, filled with knowledge sharing and engagement