Nordic Academic AI Initiatives Formalize Collaboration – Nordic AIR

The national academic AI centers in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Norway have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration and amplify the role of academia in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. The leaders of the partners met in Stockholm on February 26, 2025, to sign the MoU.

The partnership is called the Nordic AI Research, Education, and Innovation Partnership, Nordic AIR. It is the first initiative of its kind in the Nordic region, focusing on research excellence within foundational AI research for the benefit of Nordic society and industry.

The MoU signifies a collaboration between Sweden’s largest AI initiative, WASP, and the leading AI research initiatives in Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway. The collaboration aims to share experiences in foundational AI research to enhance the region’s global AI development and lead to more informed decision-making.

“When we come together, we become very influential on the global AI arena. The Nordic AI initiatives gather together several thousand researchers and experts, representing a broad network within industry and society. We in the Nordic region have excellent conditions to be a role model in global AI development. The Nordic AIR initiative ensures strong collaboration between our countries and promotes collective progress. The academy serves as a bridge between research, industry, and policymakers,” says Amy Loutfi, WASP Program Director.

The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in Nordic AI, setting the stage for closer collaboration, stronger academic representation, and a lasting impact on the development and application of artificial intelligence.

Learn more about the Nordic partnership at https://www.nordicpartnership.ai/

Thoughts from the leaders of the Nordic AI initiatives:

Klas Pettersen, CEO of NORA: “In a more polarized and less predictable world it is important to collaborate with reliable partners that share your values. As such, Nordic collaborations are more important than ever. A strong Nordic AI collaboration will not only produce many exciting AI projects; the Nordic AI Research, Education, and Innovation Partnership will ensure a global Nordic impact, with transparency, a trust-based approach and democratic values at its core.”

Serge Belongie, Director of The Pioneer Centre for AI: “With its high level of digitalization, trust in institutions, strong democracies and social systems, and thriving public-private partnerships, the Nordic region provides an ideal setting for world-leading, socially responsible research in AI.”

“We are delighted to strengthen the links between top AI research centers in the Nordics,” says Samuel Kaski, director of FCAI and professor at Aalto University. “Our common interest is increasing the visibility and impact of Nordic AI research, through joint research, innovation and education initiatives. Having hosted the 2024 Nordic AI Meet, we at FCAI know the Nordic players are the ones to watch.”

Kristinn Rúnar Þórisson, Director of CADIA: “Scientific pursuit of automating thought in the next 50 years will lead to thinking machines permeating every corner of our society. In the Nordics, to meet our cultural, ethical and democratic heritage, norms and ideals, the nature of AI technology should not be dicated by other countries, societies or cultures — it should be decided and designed by us. There is ample reason for, and much to be gained from, the Nordic countries developing their own AI technology, regulation, principles and ethics. This must stand as the most fundamental principle in all scientific and applied development and use of AI in the Nordics from on.”