AI is a strategic resource in the new cold war

The conflict in Ukraine has underscored a critical lesson: technological superiority, not sheer numbers, dictates battlefield success. As Europe rebuilds its defense sector, the emphasis must shift from merely restoring past capabilities to actively developing the technologies needed for future threats. Sweden, having joined NATO and significantly increased defense spending, is at a crossroads.

Evelina Anttila, founder of Nordan AI, argues that the next strategic step involves building defenses that anticipate tomorrow's challenges. The key competitive advantage now lies in the speed of developing, testing, and deploying new technologies. This principle extends beyond military strategy, influencing broader societal competitiveness.

Anttila highlights the OODA loop, Observe, Orient, Decide, Act, as a framework for understanding this dynamic. The side that can process information and act faster gains an edge, even against a numerically superior opponent. This concept, validated by the war and research from FOI, applies to organizations navigating an increasingly rapid pace of change.

The current debate around artificial intelligence in Sweden often focuses narrowly on productivity gains. However, Anttila contends that AI's true strategic value lies in its ability to improve decision-making. Next-generation AI can provide organizations with an information advantage, enabling them to identify patterns, simulate scenarios, and make better choices under uncertainty. This capability will be decisive for both future defense and economic competitiveness in what she terms "the new cold war."