On April 10, 2025, leading experts and innovators gathered in Stockholm to explore how AI and innovation can shape the future of businesses. The event, sponsored by Microsoft and M-Files, featured a series of inspiring presentations and discussions on how AI can act as a catalyst for growth and efficiency.

AI as a Catalyst for Growth
One of the most prominent conclusions from the event was that AI has the potential to exceed expectations and create significant value, especially for larger companies. AI is used not only to reduce costs but also to drive revenue, making it a powerful tool for both large and small businesses. However, companies face challenges such as data security, management engagement, regulatory issues, and PR risks.

Evelina Anttila, CEO of Wellstreet, shared insights from a Morgan Stanley report from 2024, showing that larger companies benefit the most from AI, while smaller companies use AI to drive revenue. She emphasized that companies must be aware of the challenges AI brings, including data security and regulatory issues, to fully harness its potential.

AI's Maturity and Future Trends
Daniel Akenine, National Technology Officer at Microsoft, discussed how AI has matured and the trends shaping the future. He emphasized that AI has reached human capabilities in many areas and that open-source AI models are growing, although closed models are still more advanced. He also mentioned that the industry continues to be the center for developing the best AI models, while the US leads in research and China invests heavily in robotics.

Akenine pointed out that AI has reached a maturity level where it can perform tasks with human precision in many areas. He also discussed how traditional ways of measuring AI have reached saturation and that new metrics are being developed to better understand AI's capabilities. Additionally, he emphasized that AI regulation is becoming increasingly important, with the EU leading through the new AI Act.

Intelligent Information Management
Another key conclusion from the event was how tools like M-Files and Microsoft 365 Copilot can improve productivity through intelligent information management. Mika Kemppi from M-Files and Nina Rapp from Microsoft presented how these tools can automate workflows, ensure compliance, and enhance collaboration both internally and externally. They demonstrated how M-Files can integrate with Microsoft 365 to create a seamless work environment where users can manage and share information efficiently.

Kemppi and Rapp emphasized that intelligent information management is crucial for companies to fully leverage AI's potential. By automating workflows and ensuring compliance, companies can improve productivity and reduce the risk of errors. They also showed how M-Files and Microsoft 365 Copilot can help companies manage and share information effectively, enhancing collaboration both internally and externally.

Practical Applications and Customer Insights

The event provided concrete examples of how companies like Trelleborg Sealing Solutions use digital, innovative solutions such as M-Files to streamline their processes and enhance productivity. Håkan Song Sandberg from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions shared insights into how their organization strategically leverages technology to build sustainable competitive advantages.
He emphasized that technological innovation alone is not sufficient – companies must also focus on delivering exceptional user experiences, ensuring efficient distribution, building strong brand identities, managing proprietary data responsibly, and attracting the right talent. Sandberg also highlighted how digital tools can support companies in addressing challenges such as data security and regulatory compliance.

Future Perspectives

In summary, the event showed that AI and innovation will play a crucial role in the future of businesses. Companies that embrace these technologies and integrate them into their strategies will have a significant advantage in a rapidly changing world. It is clear that AI is not just a technical solution but also a strategic partner that can help companies grow and thrive.

The event concluded with a networking lunch where participants had the opportunity to discuss the day's insights and make new connections. It was evident that AI and innovation will play a crucial role in the future of businesses, and those who embrace these technologies will have a significant advantage.

We look forward to continuing this journey and exploring how AI can help companies reach new heights. By integrating AI into the company's strategy and harnessing its potential, companies can create sustainable competitive advantages and thrive in a rapidly changing world.