Artificial intelligence for efficiency and customer relationships

The project aims to investigate and address the needs of small and micro-enterprises in the Päijät-Häme region to stay up-to-date and harness the opportunities offered by generative artificial intelligence (AI) to maintain a competitive advantage. The development of AI has taken significant strides in 2023, bringing new possibilities for businesses to leverage. Simultaneously, it has profoundly transformed the business environment in several industries. Generative AI has introduced an unprecedented tool that can produce various text, image, code, video, and audio content similar to human capabilities in a matter of seconds, based on user input. It can be usedfor tasks such as data collection and processing, content creation, image and video production, and automation. These capabilities enable businesses to enhance marketing, communication, digital customer interactions, and internal efficiency. AI can also help identify new product and service concepts and improve company processes. However, implementing AI applications in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is challenging without sufficient knowledge, skills, and resources.



AI has the potential to enhance the efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness of businesses. The main objective of the project is to assess the generative AI needs of companies in Päijät-Häme and significantly enhance the expertise of approximately 40 local companies in harnessing generative AI, especially in marketing, customer service, sales, communication, internal office work efficiency, and RDI activities. The project also addresses the challenges posed by the changing business environment by providing support to companies in refining their strategic direction. It particularly focuses on creative industries, such as graphic designers, photographers, and video producers, offering tailored guidance based on the insights gained from coaching groups.



The project also aims to inform the broader business community about the potential of generative AI in business operations, ensuring that as many Päijät-Häme companies as possible benefit from the project's initiatives and find clear applications for generative AI. Another goal is to establish a permanent network for continuous learning and experimentation with AI in a rapidly changing environment. The project also aims to promote collaboration between educational and research institutions and the business community, especially regarding the adoption and utilization of AI.The project includes a survey of the current state and needs of generative AI utilization in local SMEs in Päijät-Häme. Based on the survey findings, a coaching program will be designed to coach 40 companies to make the most of AI opportunities, especially in marketing and other efficiency-enhancing functions that also support the participating companies' research and development activities. During the coaching program, companies will implement their own development projects with the assistance of AI.



Sustainability will be ensured by establishing a permanent network. The project's impact will be ensured through active communication and online visibility, seminars, and publications. Päijät-Häme will see the emergence of dozens of new product and service ideas, and the expertise of local companies in harnessing generative AI will significantly increase. The project will promote equality among companies because small and micro-enterprises do not have the resources of large corporations to follow and elevate their AI utilization skills in business development.