The importance of AI capabilities in society is more important than ever before. Finland’s goal is to utilize the potential of AI comprehensively, with focus on a human-centric approach. AI literacy helps to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically. The AI Literacy Fundamentals course, created jointly by higher education institutions and technology companies, offers an opportunity to learn how to use artificial intelligence responsibly.
Although the potential of artificial intelligence is widely recognised, the adoption of artificial intelligence in companies in Finland is still progressing slowly: in 2024, only 24 per cent of companies utilised AI technologies. If we want to proceed in accordance with the objectives of the Government Programme and make full use of artificial intelligence, competence development is in a key position.
According to the EU AI Act set by the European Union, every organization that develops or deploys AI systems must ensure that its staff has sufficient AI literacy. AI literacy helps to understand, utilize and critically evaluate AI technologies. The AI Literacy Fundamentals course now being published offers a comprehensive and up-to-date information package on artificial intelligence and its critical evaluation.
The skill is not just a regulatory issue, but a strategic opportunity that empowers organizations to utilize AI efficiently and responsibly and supports continuous learning. It is also an essential skill in today’s society, where the amount of digital information is growing rapidly.
Practical AI skills responsibly
The university-level and free course offers a comprehensive introduction to the basics of generative AI, real-life examples, and the ethical and responsible use of AI. The module does not require any technical skills from the participants. The course, which is worth one (1) ETCS credit, is open to all and available in both Finnish and English.
This module is an updated version of the super-popular Practical AI course. The purpose of the update is to respond to the rapid development of AI and its societal impacts.
The course has been developed in collaboration with Finnish higher education institutions, Elisa, Sulava and Microsoft.
“In Finland, our greatest resource is a skilled community committed to continuous learning. AI literacy is the key not only to the responsible use of technology, but also to strengthening innovation and competitiveness in Finland. With this course, we want to offer everyone the opportunity to understand AI and its effects on the present and the future”, says Mervi Airaksinen, Managing Director of Microsoft Finland.
“Kajaani University of Applied Sciences is happy to be involved in cooperation that offers up-to-date education that is open to everyone. Microsoft Skills for Job is not just a set of random courses, but it offers a number of topical and specific courses developed in collaboration with the mentoring companies involved. As a higher education institution, our approach to microdegree programmes is part of a new model of continuous learning, which also promotes the strengthening of skills already in working life. In particular, AI literacy and the ability to utilize AI are essential for everyone, and we share our expertise with many parties within this area”, says Rector Matti Sarén, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences.
”The significance of AI for Finnish society, which strives for growth and productivity, but at the same time is rapidly ageing, is enormous. AI as a catalyst for growth requires concrete use cases and measurable business benefits. To promote these, Elisa wants to enable the development of AI expertise and understanding”, says Katja Bäckström, Elisa’s Business Director.
“AI competence is a key factor in today’s society, enabling both organizations and individuals to achieve efficiency and innovation in new ways. Responsible use of AI is not only an ethical obligation but also opens doors to strategic opportunities that support sustainable growth and continuous learning. Sulava Oy is proud to actively contribute to advancing AI competence and awareness, offering solutions that help ensure AI is used responsibly, transparently, and effectively at all levels of society”, says Max Jääskeläinen, Director, Training Services, Sulava Oy.
Already 200,000 have gained new technology skills through the Skills for Jobs programme
The course is part of the broader Skills for Jobs programme, which aims to support Finland in becoming one of the most advanced countries in the world in AI, data economy, cyber security, and sustainable IT. Over the past two years, 130,000 experts have accumulated new technology skills through the program. The program aims to train 300,000 new or further trained technology experts within five years. Over the past two years, 200,000 experts have gained new technology skills through the programme.
Skills for Jobs programme also offers Cybersecurity, Power Platform, and AI Developer microdegrees, a popular Practical AI course, as well as other opportunities for developing expertise through different training partners’ client and partner skills programs.
Start the course today: Edukamu – AI Literacy Fundamentals