Why the AI Act matters
AI is developing at unprecedented speed. Alongside innovation come critical questions of ethics, safety and risk.
Earlier this year, the European Parliament adopted the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) – the world’s first comprehensive AI law. Its purpose is to safeguard fundamental rights, the rule of law, and environmental sustainability, while promoting responsible and ethical use of AI.
The Act strikes a balance: enabling innovation while protecting individuals and society. For your business, this means new rules, new expectations, and new opportunities.
What is the AI Act?
The AI Act is an EU regulation that governs the use of Artificial Intelligence across all sectors. It applies to:
Providers placing AI systems on the EU market, regardless of where they are based.
Importers, distributors and manufacturers offering AI products in the EU.
Users of AI systems within the EU (with the exception of purely private use).
The Act categorises AI by risk level – from prohibited, to high-risk, to transparency obligations, to minimal risk – and sets out requirements for each.
Timeline
1 August 2024 – AI Act enters into force.
2 February 2025 – Prohibited AI systems banned.
2 August 2025 – Obligations for General Purpose AI (GPAI).
2 August 2026 – Most other obligations apply.
Non-compliance comes at a high cost: up to €35 million or 7% of global turnover.
How it affects your organisation
The Act covers all industries – healthcare, finance, transport, energy, security and more.
Depending on whether you develop, provide, import or use AI, your obligations will differ.
Key requirements include:
Risk assessments
Transparency and documentation
Human oversight and governance
Technical and organisational safeguards
Management is responsible for ensuring resources and processes are in place. Compliance is not only legal – it is strategic.
Preparing for compliance – your first steps
Every SME can start preparing now by:
Mapping AI systems – identify current and planned use.
Clarifying roles – are you a provider, user, importer or distributor?
Staying informed – follow EU guidance and regulatory updates.
Educating your team – build AI awareness and responsible practices.
How we support you
Unlike large consultancies (PwC, KPMG, EY) who focus on legal frameworks, global packages and high-cost delivery, we offer:
Operational and practical support integrated into daily business.
Tailored policies and processes aligned with your actual use of AI.
Nordic-specific expertise relevant to both public and private sector.
Agile, cost-effective implementation that matches your size and pace.
Integration with ESG and sustainability to build trust and long-term value.
Our services include:
AI Act checklist for SMEs & guided walkthrough.
Gap analysis and AI risk assessment.
Tailored AI policy development.
AI policy training & certification.
Practical advisory for Copilot and ChatGPT.
Combined expertise in IT security, compliance and AI governance.
What you gain by working with us
Practical compliance checklists
AI Act gap analysis & risk assessment
AI policy tailored to your business
Trained and certified employees
Reduced risk & stronger client and partner trust
Call to Action
Book a workshop with us:
“AI Act Readiness Check” – 2 hours
Get a current state assessment and prioritised action plan for your organisation.