One quarter (25%) of Swedes aged 16 or over have used generative AI tools in the past three months, new data from Statistics Sweden has found.
This equates to some 2.1 million people, the statistics body noted.
According to the findings, men are more likely than women to use generative AI tools, by 29% to 20%, while most people who avail of such tools have done so in a formal education capacity – some 72% of the total.
Nearly half of the users report using the tools for professional purposes, while one-third used them for personal reasons.
Variations by age group
In addition, the use of generative AI tools varies by age. Younger individuals report higher usage rates, with 50% of the youngest age group (16-24) having used the tools in the last three months.
The percentage decreases with age, with 40% of those aged 24–34 reporting having used generative AI tools, and only 4% of individuals aged 65–74 stating they have used such tools.
Commencing in 2024, questions about the use of generative AI tools have been added to Statistics Sweden’s ICT usage survey conducted in households and among individuals. Read more here.
Business opportunity
Earlier this year, a report by Implement Consulting Group suggested that the adoption of generative AI could boost Sweden’s GDP by SEK 500-550 billion, amounting to +9% GDP over ten years if widespread adoption is achieved.
The benefits will arise from productivity gains among workers using generative AI, time saved through automation, and the redeployment of time into other productive activities, the group noted.
In Sweden, 68% of jobs are expected to involve collaboration with generative AI, while 26% are likely to remain unaffected. Only 6% of jobs are considered highly vulnerable to generative AI, according to Implement Consulting Group.
The report also noted that Sweden is strong in foundational drivers of artificial intelligence adoption that create a safe and reliable environment for AI. However, it lags behind in global measures of AI innovation, including talent, research, development, and commercialisation. Read more here.
