Study: Cybersecurity and AI top the IT development agenda for Finnish SMEs
A study commissioned by Frendy and conducted by Innolink reveals that Finnish companies plan to invest most heavily in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence over the coming years.
The results show that:
- 69% intend to invest in cybersecurity – particularly in firewalls, cyber technologies, and staff training.
- 64% plan to invest in adopting and developing AI, such as process automation and data analytics.
- 43% will invest in digital tools and process utilization, including cloud services and multi-cloud environments.
The study also highlights gaps in AI adoption: only 27% of companies using AI have created an AI strategy, and 40% do not provide continuous training for employees.
Frendy’s CEO, Mikko Peltonen, recognizes both the opportunities and challenges revealed in the research:
“Finnish companies are well aware of AI’s potential and have eagerly started using it. However, in everyday business it’s hard to fully capture the benefits if the purpose of AI isn’t clear and employees don’t receive proper support in using it.”
Frendy’s Chief Business Officer, Tomas Tuohimäki, notes that the importance of cybersecurity has been well understood: no Finnish company is safe from cybercrime regardless of location, industry, or size.
“Companies clearly recognize the business-critical nature of comprehensive cybersecurity. It’s encouraging that training ranked high on the priority list. For example, phishing emails are becoming increasingly difficult to detect with AI, and we know from experience that in two out of three companies, at least one employee ends up disclosing their credentials. Well-trained staff are far more likely to recognize such messages – and know how to react if a mistake happens.”
Changing customer needs also affect IT service providers. Companies want and need partners who can help build a secure and modern work environment – not just solve isolated issues.
Frendy’s Marketing Director, Atte Lonkari, adds:
“For companies, it’s important that their partner not only supports daily operations but also demonstrates how cybersecurity, AI, and modern work practices contribute to business development. This shows that, beyond technology, companies increasingly value a partner’s ability to listen and act as a sparring partner.”
The study was conducted in spring 2025, with responses from 120 SMEs across different industries and regions in Finland. Respondent companies employed between 20 and 250 people. The purpose of the study was to identify SMEs’ IT development priorities and criteria for selecting an IT partner.
