The next phase of AI has already begun: Autonomous business requires courage and competence from leadership

The next wave of artificial intelligence is already underway. Today, AI acts as an assistant that efficiently handles individual tasks. However, the direction is toward autonomous business, a development that will transform work and society. This change is inevitable and requires a new way of thinking from everyone, says Digia CEO Timo Levoranta

Companies are already reporting significant efficiency gains. Fashion company Luhta faced a challenge in managing a complex customs clearance process for imports, which required extensive manual work, especially during the peak summer holiday season. The solution came through AI-powered automation, which cut the time required for customs clearance in half.

Similar success stories are emerging across industries. Insurance companies and brokers are achieving major benefits as AI accelerates the processing of insurance documents. In finance and accounting, AI solutions can automate tasks such as invoice and payment processing. In customer service, AI can generate response suggestions to customer inquiries in seconds.

"We are currently in the early stages of the AI transformation, where AI has been introduced into individual tasks and processes within companies," says Timo Levoranta.

At the same time, organizations are building the foundations required for AI adoption, including technology, skills, and governance. Many companies are investing in data management and data platforms while establishing AI centers of excellence. Levoranta emphasizes that this is only the beginning.

Autonomous business will begin to transform the world

The next major stage of the AI transformation is autonomous business, which will affect every industry. The scale of the change may still be difficult to grasp because it will happen gradually. However, it is not simply a continuation of current developments.

Today, AI is a tool and increasingly a "digital colleague" for people. AI agents that can independently perform specific and limited tasks are also becoming more common.
The next step is to combine AI agents and other automation technologies into larger entities capable of automating entire business processes.

The final stage is the creation of autonomous business. This is not primarily a technological change. Instead, it is a transformation of a company's operating model, built on a new form of collaboration between data and people.

"We all know that technology can always be adapted and developed. However, changing the way people and organizations work is a major undertaking. It requires time, energy, and investment, but the change is essential."

Levoranta believes the transformation will have highly positive societal impacts, although different opinions have been expressed. Finland has long sought higher productivity, and AI presents an excellent opportunity to achieve it. AI can also improve the quality of services and products while supporting employee well-being.

Major changes to work: Everyone must adopt a new mindset

Levoranta highlights the changing role of people and the importance of leadership in driving transformation. At least in the foreseeable future, AI will rarely mean fully automated systems. Humans will continue to play a critical role in guiding and validating AI-driven work. Nevertheless, many job roles and tasks will change fundamentally.

"Since 2020, we at Digia have spoken about the symbiosis between people and intelligent software, and now it is becoming a reality. AI will not take jobs away from people who are willing to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward. In the future, the new production unit will be 'human plus AI', not simply a human. Leadership must support people in staying on board through this change, but everyone must also have the desire to develop themselves. In many ways, we are defining our own future."

Today, leadership needs both the competence and the courage to build intelligent business based on collaboration between humans and AI. Moving too slowly poses a risk.

"The use of AI will undoubtedly continue to expand, and autonomous business will become part of everyday life. Job roles will also evolve. We can either resist this change or embrace it, but the next phase of development is the symbiosis of people and intelligent software. The current model will soon no longer be sufficient to build a successful society and maintain the competitiveness of businesses. The real question is: how do we want to participate in this evolution?"

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