Assessing Organizational AI Readiness in the Finnish Public Sector: A Case Study of the Helsinki District Court

Sammanfattning

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing and transforming both the private and public sector with increasing experimentation and implementation following the release of ChatGPT in 2023. Although Finland ranks among the leading countries in technological development and AI adoption, it remains unknown whether individual public organizations especially within the judicial sector are organizationally ready to adopt AI-based solutions. This study examines the organizational readiness of the Helsinki District Court, Finland's largest district court, through the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework's Organization dimension. Using a single-case study design, the research applies quantitative descriptive approach with qualitative elements. The data were collected via an online survey distributed to court judges and secretaries, consisting of eighteen 5-point Likert-scale statements and three open-ended questions. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics while the qualitative responses were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the respondents possess strong digital skills and generally view AI in a positive light expecting it to support rather than replace their work. However, the organizational readiness is hindered by limited training, insufficient resources and limited communication regarding the goals and vision within the organization. Overall, the research conducted showed the Helsinki District Court demonstrating moderate readiness for AI adoption with cultural and skill-based strengths while facing structural and resource-related barriers.