Artificial intelligence adoption drives productivity growth

Starting in October, Estonian companies can access initial artificial intelligence consultations to help determine whether and how they can utilize AI in their operations. Additionally, the AI and Robotics Centre AIRE (AI & Robotics Estonia) continues to provide feasibility consulting on artificial intelligence. The centre also helps identify necessary funding for AI implementation from both private and public sources and facilitates connections with potential collaboration partners.

Digital readiness, digital competencies, and artificial intelligence (AI) implementation skills vary considerably across Estonian enterprises. “There is a significant need to provide additional knowledge and encouragement through other companies’ success stories and lessons learned about what to avoid. AIRE’s new consulting services are designed to identify suitable solutions and development paths. Artificial intelligence doesn’t mean only language models—it can be successfully applied in quality control, machine vision, and smart robotics, for example. AI is not something standalone; it must be integrated into the company’s processes,” said Kirke Maar, Director of the AIRE Centre.

The AI initial consultation offered by the AIRE Centre is intended for small and medium-sized enterprises considering AI adoption, as well as those already using solutions. AIRE experts help identify the right technology or recommend existing solutions, and novel solutions are tested as pilot projects. Through the AIRE Centre, companies can accelerate AI implementation through various services, the need for which is determined together with the enterprise. This may include company-specific technology consulting, impact analysis preparation if needed, or scaling strategy development.

AI feasibility consulting in the form of in-depth analysis helps understand how technologies and data already in use within the company can be prepared and deployed for AI implementation. Experts clarify whether and to what extent the company is ready to implement AI-based solutions. Subsequently, analyses are conducted to determine whether AI implementation is sensible, necessary, and cost-effective.

“Currently, Estonian companies’ productivity is rather low. This can be improved through collaboration between companies and universities, as demonstrated by both the AIRE Centre’s experience and global practice. It is important to us that companies’ productivity, profitability, and competitiveness increase,” added Kirke Maar.

From October 1, 2025, the AIRE Centre’s primary target group comprises manufacturing companies and enterprises in their value chain, including those engaged in logistics, transport, supply chains, energy, quality control, the ICT sector, defense industry, and other significant business sectors.

The AI and Robotics Centre AIRE is Estonia’s European Digital Innovation Hub, bringing together local universities, higher education institutions, and research organizations, and is based at TalTech. The centre is dedicated to promoting innovation in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics.

The AIRE Centre is co-financed by the European Union through the “European Digital Innovation Hubs” program and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.