AI brings a productivity leap to everyday business

According to the study conducted by OECD, AI can increase productivity by double-digit percentages depending on the industry. In practice, this means companies can achieve more with fewer resources:

• Automating routine tasks: Document handling, data organization, and report generation are done faster and more accurately.
• Better allocation of working time: Employees can focus on creative tasks and those that create customer value.
• Improved decision-making: AI supports analytics and provides insights that would be difficult to perceive manually.

 

Thus, productivity growth does not only come from savings but also from enabling people to do work that has greater business impact.

 

How does artificial intelligence transform the dynamics of entrepreneurship and the opportunities of SMEs

One of the study’s most interesting findings concerns entrepreneurship. Generative AI levels the playing field in ways unimaginable just a few years ago. SMEs and startups now have access to the same tools and resources that previously required massive corporate investments and dedicated development teams. This democratizes technology and enables smaller players to compete on a completely new level.

A key example is that customer service, marketing, and even product development can be launched with AI assistance at very low cost. Previously, these required significant upfront investments such as separate software, external partners, and human resources. Today, AI enables the same work to be carried out quickly and flexibly, allowing even small teams to build effective customer processes and marketing campaigns without heavy expenses.

This development significantly lowers the threshold for founding new companies and increases market competition. As barriers to entry disappear, more new ideas, services, and business models emerge. This benefits the entire ecosystem: increased competition drives innovation and forces established players to evolve. The finding is particularly significant for Finland, where SMEs form the backbone of the economy. When AI provides them with opportunities to grow, renew, and compete internationally, it can have a direct impact on the vitality of the entire national economy and employment.

 

The added value of AI in business relies on human–AI collaboration

The OECD emphasizes that the benefits of AI depend on collaboration between humans and AI. If AI is used only for automation, the risk is superficial gains and even employee resistance. Companies that stand out are those that integrate AI throughout the organization:

• Employees are trained to use AI effectively. Companies investing in training and day-to-day guidance see faster, tangible results. When employees genuinely feel AI makes their work easier, attitudes toward the technology become more positive.
• AI’s role is clearly defined: it supports but does not decide alone. AI can collect and analyze vast amounts of data, but decisions still require human judgment. Successful companies treat AI as a partner offering insights and recommendations, while final decisions remain with people. This creates a balance between efficiency and responsibility.
• Leadership emphasizes responsibility and transparency, strengthening trust both inside the organization and with customers. By openly communicating how AI is used and clarifying principles, trust builds among employees and customers alike. Clear accountability prevents misunderstandings and reduces risks. Companies basing their AI strategies on ethical principles strengthen their reputation as trustworthy actors and gain a competitive edge.

 

 

What the OECD’s AI study means for businesses in practice

Generative AI offers companies worldwide new ways to boost productivity, accelerate innovation, and lower the barriers to entrepreneurship. This is especially important for SMEs, which operate with limited resources but need effective tools for growth and scalability. By reducing routine tasks and enabling faster experimentation, AI levels the playing field and helps companies of all sizes compete in increasingly global markets.

Suunta.ai has been developed precisely for these needs: an AI solution designed for business use that is safe, scalable, and easy to adopt. It enables teams of all sizes to harness AI’s potential without complex or expensive projects – making advanced AI accessible to businesses everywhere. Learn more about how Suunta.ai differs from other language models here.