Finland Leads Europe in Generative AI Adoption
Two-thirds of Finnish firms use AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot and Gemini. According to European Investment Bank’s survey, It’s the highest share in the EU.
Text by Martti Asikainen, 10.12.2025 | Photo Adobe Stock Photos
Finland has emerged as Europe’s leader in generative AI adoption, with two-thirds of companies already using tools such as ChatGPT, according to a new survey by the European Investment Bank.
The EIB’s annual Investment Survey found that 66 per cent of Finnish firms use generative AI tools – far above the EU average of 37 per cent. The survey polled approximately 13,000 firms across all EU member states.
Strong investment in innovation
Finnish companies continue to invest more ambitiously than their European peers, the survey reveals. More than half of Finnish firms (56 per cent) invest in developing or introducing new products, processes or services, compared with just one third across the EU.
Investment activity remains robust overall, with 96 per cent of Finnish firms reporting investment in 2025 – one of the highest rates in Europe. The EU average stands at 86 per cent.
“Finland is emerging as Europe’s strongest adopter of generative AI, with two-thirds of firms already using these tools in their operations,” said EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer. “The country’s strong commitment to innovation and digital transformation is a major strength for Finland and for Europe as a whole.”
Rising uncertainty dampens outlook
Whilst investment remains strong, expectations for future investment have weakened. Finnish firms report rising uncertainty about the economic and political climate, in line with the broader European trend.
Access to finance poses challenges for some companies. Nearly 10 per cent of Finnish firms (9.6 per cent) are finance-constrained, above the EU average of 6.1 per cent. Dissatisfaction with borrowing costs is also higher than across the EU overall.
International trade features prominently in Finnish business activity, with 68 per cent of firms trading globally. However, barriers persist for exporters.
Among globally trading firms, 14 per cent report customs and tariffs as a major obstacle. Additionally, 79 per cent of exporters must comply with different regulatory requirements across EU member states.
Climate action a priority
Finnish firms demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Nearly all companies (99 per cent) report taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The survey found particularly high levels of investment in waste minimisation and recycling, with 94 per cent of Finnish firms investing in these areas compared to the EU average of 77 per cent. Energy efficiency investments are also above average, at 79 per cent versus 67 per cent across the EU.
Finnish firms are more likely to monitor their own emissions targets, with 61 per cent doing so compared to 47 per cent EU-wide.
The survey also examined gender diversity in senior management. Some 27 per cent of Finnish firms report at least 40 per cent women in senior management positions, slightly above the EU average of 25 per cent. Female ownership of businesses has risen to 13 per cent, now in line with the EU average.
About the survey
The EIB Group Investment Survey has been conducted annually since 2016.
It uses stratified sampling methodology and is representative across all 27 EU member states, covering firms from micro to large size across manufacturing, construction, services and infrastructure sectors.
The survey collects data on firm characteristics, investment activities, financing sources, and challenges including climate change and digital transformation.
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