With curiosity instead of fear, we can lead Dalarna into the AI era

We are in the midst of a shift where AI is no longer something that is 'coming in the future' - it is here, now, and is already affecting how we work, lead and create value. This requires us to let go of old ways of thinking and embrace what is new, not with fear, but with curiosity.  

There is something hopeful in the fact that, in the midst of all the uncertainty surrounding AI and digitalization, we still choose to look ahead. When we recently asked people in Dalarna together with Novus, the answer was clear: 55% believe that AI will contribute to increased efficiency and productivity in business. 51% see new business opportunities and innovation. At the same time, an equal number worry about job losses. 

It is precisely here, in the tension between opportunities and fears, that we need to stand firm. And the best way to do that is to cultivate a culture of learning, exploration and courage. This was also one of the strongest insights from Dalarna Talks and our guest Paulina Modlitba, who emphasized the importance of "playing, testing and learning" to understand what AI actually means in practice. 

At Dalarna Science Park, we work with, inspire and teach innovation management according to ISO 56000, a model that is not about having ready-made answers, but about systematically exploring new paths. This requires curiosity, but also leadership. This is fully applicable to how we need to approach digital development, it requires not only an understanding of technology, but a new way of leading. 

Studies show that AI-mature organizations are characterized by three things: 

1. They allow experimentation and learning, even when it means failing. 

2. They invest in training for the whole organization. 

3. They include all employees in the transition - not just management. 

It is a non-hierarchical, responsive leadership that sees the value in the fact that the best ideas are often born where frustration is greatest: in everyday life. Where AI and new digital solutions can free up time, reduce stress and create space for more value-adding work. 

We in Dalarna have good conditions. We have the courage to test. We have the will to collaborate. And we have platforms where ideas can meet, like Dalarna Talks. But to take the lead in the digital transformation, more people need to dare to take the first step. It can be as simple as testing a new AI tool, booking a conversation with us, or just starting to ask the question "How could we work smarter with the support of AI or other digital tools?" 

The future does not wait. It is shaped by those who act, now. So let's do just that. Not with fear as our driver, but with curiosity as our compass. 

See Novus questions here: Novus questions on digitization

If you need help with digitalization: Business Development Digitalization