Artificial Intelligence Solutions in Finnish Health-Tech SMEs: Usage, Needs, and Challenges

Abstract

This thesis explores the current utilization level of AI within Finnish healthtech SMEs and uncovers the challenges they face in adopting and developing AI. The researcher collected data through semi structured interviews with six Finnish healthtech SMEs and data analyzed by a qualitative analysis approach, the research reveals that while AI is considered indispensable, most companies are still in the early stages of adoption. The main challenges identified are related to legal, technical, and financial aspects. A novel threefold model of AI utilization is proposed, where enterprises are classified into AI curious, AI embracing, and AI catering categories. The research contributes by assessing AI maturity, creating the threefold model, and offering recommendations for effective AI utilization, and concludes that AI has a high positive impact on the sector, benefiting not only business operations but also the health of patients. Overall, this research lays the foundation for understanding and maximizing the benefits of AI in the healthtech industry.