What happens when the world’s happiest country is also home to very forward-thinking AI strategists? In this episode, we sit with Timo Savolainen to explore the intersection of national well-being, technological transformation, and future vision.

Finland was recently named the happiest country in the world, for the eighth consecutive year. We dig into the choices and cultural traits that have made this possible, and whether Finland’s happiness can be taught and exported.

We deeply dive into AI and its rapidly growing role in reshaping Finnish society. Timo introduces us to the concept of Artificial Capable Intelligence (ACI), outlines how AI will disrupt work, education, and governance in the next 4–5 years, and shares a powerful vision for how Finland can lead the EU in AI adoption by 2030.

Q&A

1:39

Q1

Tell us about your background and how you became involved in AI?

4:40

Q2

So let's talk about that. You have a surfboard behind you. What makes you happy?

8:25

Q3

What role do saunas play in your happiness?

9:47

Q4

Do you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist when it comes to the future?

11:00

Q5

For eight straight years, Finland has been the number one, the happiest country in the world. Why Do you think that is, Timo?

14:07

Q6

What kinds of decisions did the Finnish people make this century that led to eight Straight years of happiness?

16:02

Q7

I wonder how many decades you've been in the top ten. It might have been a lot longer than that. I don't know, but is this exportable?

18:10

Q8

What qualities help Finland be happy now, but will also help it succeed in the future? What qualities do you think you can carry forward into the future?

20:08

Q9

Now, I'm not familiar with Artificial Capable Intelligence, explain that to me.

24:45

Q10

In what way do you anticipate Finnish society being impacted?

27:55

Q11

Now, let me ask you, when you look at AI now and you look at what has traditionally made the Finns such a happy people, do you see AI making you even happier?

30:36

Q12

Why do you think that's important and what does that consist of?

33:25

Q13

In 2025 this year, AI agents will be the most influential force impacting Finnish society and working life in the short term. Why do you think this year is so pivotal?

37:04

Q14

How can you have all those social programs and all that care and all that government support and still be competitive?

38:36

Q15

How are you going to integrate AI into that and still maintain your happiness? What kind of guardrails are you going to use?

42:04

Q16

How do you see being able to use AI to help address some of those and maintain that happiness ranking?

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For additional information, please visit: Reimagining the Future Blog: https://frankdiana.net/

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About the Reimagining the Future Series | The Future of Business

The Reimagining the Future Series, produced by the Future of Business team, helps our clients and partners see the combinatorial effects of science, technology, digital forces, and societal factors that are rapidly shaping our emerging future. The series provides inspiration, strategic ideas, actionable thought leadership, and guidance to better understand the transformational journey and its implications to help business leaders reimagine and position their organizations for the future.

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