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Past eventJune 10th, 2025

The Nordic Model in the Age of AI

Open Economies, Trust and Competitiveness

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This high-level conference titled ‘The Nordic Model in the Age of AI: Open Economies, Trust and Competitiveness’ will explore how digitalization and broad technology adoption, combined with open economies, have driven growth and competitiveness in the Nordics.

In recent years, Nordic leaders from research, industry and public sector have come together to accelerate Nordic AI adoption in a trustworthy and secure way with tangible benefits to citizens and companies. This includes a new Nordic-Baltic AI Center to be launched later in the year. With increased concerns around sovereignty in Europe, the Nordic approach offers a potential model for combining prosperity, trust, and security, while maintaining the Nordic tradition of embracing innovation and partnerships.

Agenda

Tuesday, June 10th, 2025
12:30 - 13:30

Registration and lunch

13:30 - 13:35

Welcome remarks

  • Johan Ysewyn, Managing Director, Covington
13:35 - 13:55

Opening remarks: Can the Nordics show the way for Europe’s AI-innovation?

  • Fredrik Erixon, Founding Director of the European Center for International Political Economy (ECIPE)
14:00 - 15:00

A Nordic Vision for AI

This session will provide an overview of the Nordic model, collaboration in the region, and an update on the Nordic-Baltic AI Center that is being created, including its purpose and potential for the Nordic-Baltic region.

  • Mikael Adelsberg, Chief Digital Officer and Member of Group Management, SAAB
  • Fredrik Erixon, Founding Director of the European Center for International Political Economy (ECIPE)
  • Dan Koivulaakso, Director, Nordic Council of Ministers
  • Martin Svensson, Managing Director at AI Sweden

Moderator:

  • Mette Beck-Nielsen, CEO, Digital Dogme
15:00 - 15:15

Coffee break

15:15 - 16:15

Innovation and Prosperity Amidst Geopolitical Uncertainty

The Draghi report recognizes that AI diffusion and adoption is key for European economic growth and resiliency. Since Draghi’s report was published however, geopolitical tensions have increased significantly, with fears that Europe’s reliance on global technology providers is a risk to its sovereignty. This panel will discuss the EU’s competitiveness and technology ambitions in a new geopolitical reality, and what lessons can be learned from the Nordics.

  • Carl Bildt, Co-chair of ECFR’s Council and Former Prime Minister of Sweden
  • Gabrielius Landsbergis, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania
  • André Rogaczewski, CEO, Netcompany

Moderator:

  • Katarina Wallin Bureau, General Manager, Strategic Relations, European Government Affairs, Microsoft
16:15 - 16:30

Coffee break

16:30 - 17:30

Unlocking Europe’s AI Economy during the Danish Presidency

A discussion on how the Nordic model can inspire Europe’s digital and economic strategy, with a focus on the Danish Presidency’s role in advancing the EU’s long-term competitiveness and technological leadership.

  • Sara Amar, Chief Digital and AI Officer, Aker Solutions
  • Jori Arvonen, Permanent Representative of Finland to the EU
  • Nanna-Louise Linde, Vice-President, European Government Affairs, Microsoft
  • Katinka Worsøe, Digitalization Attache, Danish Permanent Representation to the EU

Moderator:

  • Elżbieta Bieńkowska, Former European Commissioner for the Internal Market
17:30 - 18:30

Drinks Reception

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See you in Brussels

This event will take place at the Covington Brussels Office:

Covington
21 Avenue de Boulevard
1210 Brussels

How to get to Covington, Brussels