Transformative ideas, sturdy organizations: varieties of artificial intelligence policy in the Nordics

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is twofold; to theoretically assess ideational and organizational explanatory factors in the adaptation of artificial intelligence (AI) policies as well as to examine the extent to which the European Union (EU) has managed to facilitate a coordinated AI policy in the Nordic countries. The study utilizes a mixed methods approach based on systematic web searching, systematic policy document analysis as well as key informant semi structured interviews. The study finds that the EU has utilized framing-based strategies to facilitate a coordinated AI policy. The strategy has moreover affected member-state AI policies to the extent that some key tenets of EU AI discourse has penetrated Nordic public discourses. The study also suggests that the utilization of EU related discourse on AI generally is higher after the publication of EU AI policy. However, the extent to which the Nordic countries incorporate EU AI policy discourse diverge at the policy level. Furthermore, differentiated national organizational capacities among Nordic countries makes the adoption of AI policies divergent. This observation is theoretically accounted for through a conversation between organizational theory of public governance and discursive institutionalism. The study shows how the discursive framing of EU AI policies is filtered through organizational structures and venues among states.