Swedish Companies Lead Nordic AI Usage, but Many Swedes Shun Technology Over Understanding Gaps

In 2025, Sweden stands out among EU countries with 35% of its companies adopting artificial intelligence technologies, surpassing the EU average of 20%, according to official statistics from Statistics Sweden (SCB). This places Sweden third in Europe alongside Belgium, behind Denmark, which leads the Nordics at 42%, and ahead of Norway at 29% AI usage. Large companies with over 250 employees primarily drive this AI adoption, benefiting from greater resources to implement such technologies. Urban regions, especially Stockholm and Västsverige, report higher AI integration, while less urbanized areas like Norra Mellansverige and Mellersta Norrland lag due to less concentrated expertise and infrastructure.

Gender dynamics also influence AI usage patterns. Men reportedly use generative AI technologies more than women, and companies with a predominantly male workforce are likelier to utilize AI. However, firms with gender-equal workforces demonstrate the highest levels of AI implementation, suggesting diversity positively impacts technological engagement.

Despite this corporate enthusiasm, a recent survey commissioned by LG Electronics reveals a contrasting picture among Swedish individuals. Approximately one-third of Swedes avoid technology they do not understand, with AI features being the most frequently avoided (25%). Women and older adults show higher tendencies to reject using technologies, with 42% of women and 45% of people aged 65 to 84 expressing apprehension. Erik Svalberg of LG Electronics emphasizes that such avoidance risks social exclusion as digital services become pervasive.

To address this divide, LG Electronics has introduced a guidebook titled “Din handbok i vardagsteknik” (Your Everyday Technology Handbook), aimed at demystifying technology and boosting user confidence through practical explanations and advice. This initiative highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring that AI and other advanced technologies are accessible and inclusive for all segments of Swedish society.

Together, these insights reveal a complex landscape in Sweden's AI adoption narrative: leading corporate uptake contrasts with personal hesitation driven by understanding gaps, underscoring the need for continued educational efforts alongside technological advancement.