AI_4_DSI explores the future of AI-enabled digital services

How can manufacturing companies use artificial intelligence to develop more competitive, scalable and sustainable digital services?

AI_4_DSI – AI-Enabled Digital Service Innovation is a Business Finland Co-Research project coordinated by the University of Vaasa. It brings together manufacturing SMEs, software companies, research organisations, large industrial companies and regional development actors.

The project explores how companies can:

• Align AI with their service strategies and business models.

• Develop and manage AI-enabled digital services.

• Productise, modularise and scale digital service offerings.

Through co-creation seminars, interviews and company-based case work, the project will identify opportunities and challenges related to AI-enabled service innovation. The participating companies include Leinolat, VEO, Stormossen, Wapice, InParallel, ABB and Mirka. Merinova, Vasek and Software Finland contribute a broader regional and national perspective.

The project partners are the University of Vaasa, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences and VTT. Together, they will develop practical tools, roadmaps and process models to support companies in creating and scaling AI-enabled digital services.

AI_4_DSI will also contribute to more sustainable business models by exploring how digital services can help reduce waste, energy consumption and carbon footprints. The project runs from 2026 to 2028.

“AI is rapidly changing how companies develop and deliver services. At Mirka, we believe the insights from AI_4_DSI and the SHAPE ecosystem will help many SMEs better understand and serve their customers", says Mats Bystedt, Business Development Manager at Mirka.