What Does an AI Consultant Do? – Complete Guide to AI Consulting Services 2025

Artificial intelligence is no longer the future – it is the present. Companies across Sweden face the choice: implement AI or fall behind the competition. But how do you get started? Which AI technology suits your business? How do you build an AI strategy that actually delivers results?

This is where AI consultants come in. An AI consultant is an expert who helps companies navigate the AI landscape, choose the right solutions, and implement them in a way that creates real business value. But what exactly does an AI consultant do? What does it cost? And does your company need one?

In this guide, we go through everything you need to know about AI consultants in Sweden in 2025: what they do, what services they offer, what they cost, and how to choose the right consultant for your specific company.

What is an AI consultant?

An AI consultant is a specialist who helps companies understand, plan, and implement AI solutions. Unlike an IT consultant who focuses on traditional system development or infrastructure, the AI consultant is an expert specifically in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysis, and AI-driven tools.

AI consultants typically work with:

• Strategic AI consulting – Helping companies understand where AI can create value

• Technical implementation – Building and deploying AI solutions

• Training and skill development – Training internal teams to use AI

• Data management and analysis – Structuring data for AI projects

• Change management – Getting the organization to embrace AI

Why are AI consultants needed?

AI technology is developing at a rocket pace. What was state-of-the-art 6 months ago is now obsolete. In addition, AI is not a "one-size-fits-all" solution. A chatbot that works perfectly for an e-commerce company may be entirely unsuitable for a manufacturer.

Swedish companies are facing three major challenges:

1. Lack of skills – There are not enough AI experts to hire. According to the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, AI skills shortage is one of the largest barriers for Swedish companies.

2. Technical complexity – AI requires knowledge in machine learning, data management, cloud infrastructure, and much more. It is difficult to build this expertise internally.

3. Risk of failed projects – A MIT report shows that 95% of AI initiatives fail to deliver rapid growth. Often it is not due to the technology, but how it is implemented.

AI consultants solve these problems by providing on-demand expertise without the company needing to hire full-time AI experts.

What Does an AI Consultant Do? (Concrete Services)

The work of AI consultants can be divided into several phases, from strategy to implementation and support.

1. AI Strategy and Consulting

The first and perhaps most important task is to help companies understand WHERE AI can create value.

What the consultant does:

• Workshops with management and key teams to identify pain points

• Business analysis to find AI opportunities

• Business case calculations: What will AI implementation cost vs. what it saves/generates?

• Roadmap for AI adoption: What should be done first, second, third?

Concrete example: A manufacturing company has problems with production planning. The AI consultant identifies that predictive maintenance analysis (predicting when machines will break) could save millions by reducing downtime. They build a business case showing an ROI of 18 months.

Output:

• AI strategy document

• Prioritized list of AI projects

• Budget and timeline

2. Data Inventory and Preparation

AI is only as good as the data it is fed with. A large part of an AI consultant's job is to ensure that the company has the right data in the right format.

What the consultant does:

• Mapping what data the company has (CRM, ERP, web analytics, etc.)

• Analyzing data quality: Is it complete? Accurate? Current?

• Structuring and preparing data for AI models

• Building data pipelines that continuously update data

Concrete example: An e-commerce company wants to use AI for personalized product recommendations. The consultant discovers that their product data is incomplete (missing categories and attributes) and that purchase history is not correctly linked to users. They build a data pipeline that fixes this.

Output:

• Data inventory report

• Data pipeline (automated data processing)

• Data warehouse or data lake

3. Selection and Implementation of AI Tools

There are thousands of AI tools on the market. Which ones suit your company? The AI consultant helps you choose and implement the right solutions.

What the consultant does:

• Evaluates different AI platforms (Azure AI, AWS, Google Cloud AI)

• Selects specific tools based on needs (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, custom-built models)

• Implements and integrates with existing systems

• Tests and optimizes the solution

Concrete example: A finance company wants to automate its customer service. The consultant tests several AI chatbots (Intercom, Zendesk, custom GPT-4 solution) and selects the one that best handles the Swedish language and GDPR requirements. They integrate it with the company's CRM and support system.

Output:

• Selected and implemented AI solution

• Integrations with existing systems

• Technical documentation

4. Custom AI Development

Sometimes there isn't a ready-made solution that fits. The AI consultant then builds a custom AI model from scratch.

What the consultant does:

• Builds machine learning models tailored to the company's needs

• Trains models on the company's data

• Optimizes for performance and cost

• Deploys in production (cloud or on-premise)

Concrete example: An insurance company wants to automatically assess risk profiles based on applications. The consultant builds a machine learning model trained on 10 years of historical data that can predict risk level with 92% accuracy.

Output:

• Custom AI model

• API for using the model

• Training data and documentation

5. AI Training and Skill Development

An AI solution is useless if the team does not know how to use it. Many AI consultants focus heavily on training.

What the consultant does:

• AI workshops for management teams (2-4 hours)

• Training for employees in specific AI tools (Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, etc.)

• "Train-the-trainer" programs: Training internal ambassadors who can teach others

• Creates guides, playbooks, and best practice documents

Concrete example: A marketing team gets a 4-hour workshop on how to use AI for content creation, SEO optimization, and data analysis. They learn concrete prompts and workflows they can use immediately.

Output:

• Trained employees

• Internal guides and documentation

• Follow-up plan for continued learning

6. AI Governance and Ethics

AI comes with risks: bias, privacy issues, regulatory compliance. AI consultants help companies navigate this.

What the consultant does:

• Creates AI policies and guidelines for the company

• Ensures GDPR compliance

• Identifies and mitigates bias in AI models

• Builds transparency: How does the AI make decisions?

Concrete example: A recruitment company uses AI for screening resumes. The consultant discovers that the model is biased against women (because it was trained on historical data where most employees were men). They adjust the model and implement routines to prevent future bias.

Output:

• AI governance policy

• GDPR documentation

• Bias detection and mitigation plan

7. Ongoing Support and Optimization

AI projects do not end when the solution is deployed. AI consultants often offer ongoing support.

What the consultant does:

• Monitors the AI system's performance

• Fine-tunes models based on new data

• Resolves technical issues

• Updates solutions when new AI technology is launched

Concrete example: An e-commerce AI recommendation engine starts producing poorer results after 6 months. The consultant discovers that customer buying behavior has changed (new trend) and retrains the model with newer data. Performance returns to peak.

Output:

• Ongoing performance reports

• Updated AI models

• Technical support

Different Types of AI Consultants

Not all AI consultants are the same. There are different specializations:

1. Strategic AI Consultants

Focus: Business strategy, ROI, transformation Background: Often from McKinsey, BCG, or similar strategy consulting firms Suitable for: Management teams who want to understand AI's business impact

2. Technical AI Consultants / AI Engineers

Focus: Building and deploying AI models Background: Data scientists, ML engineers Suitable for: Companies that need custom AI development

3. AI Training Consultants

Focus: Skill development and change management Background: Pedagogy, organization development + AI knowledge Suitable for: Companies that want employees to use AI

4. Industry-Specific AI Consultants

Focus: AI solutions for specific industries (finance, healthcare, retail) Background: Industry experience + AI knowledge Suitable for: Companies in regulated industries (banking, healthcare) where compliance is critical

5. AI Product Consultants

Focus: Implementation of specific tools (Microsoft Copilot, Salesforce Einstein) Background: Certified in specific platforms Suitable for: Companies that have already chosen tools and need implementation help

What Does an AI Consultant Cost in Sweden?

The cost of AI consultants varies enormously depending on experience, type of project, and delivery model.

Hourly Rates

Junior AI Consultant (0-3 years of experience):

• 1000-1500 SEK/hour

• Can handle: Data analysis, implementation of pre-built tools, simpler AI projects

Mid-level AI Consultant (3-7 years):

• 1500-2500 SEK/hour

• Can handle: Custom AI development, strategy, more complex projects

Senior AI Consultant (7+ years):

• 2500-4000 SEK/hour

• Can handle: Enterprise AI strategy, advanced AI development, transformation

Elite AI Consultants (international level):

• 5000-8400 SEK/hour (equivalent to $500-900)

• According to Dagens PS, top consultants in the US earn up to $900/hour

• Can handle: Cutting-edge AI, research level, complex enterprise implementation

Project-Based Pricing

Many consultants prefer fixed project prices:

AI Strategy Workshop (2-4 hours):

• 15,000 - 40,000 SEK

• Includes: Workshop, analysis, recommendations

AI Implementation (small):

• 100,000 - 300,000 SEK

• Example: Implement Microsoft Copilot across the entire company

AI Implementation (medium-sized):

• 300,000 - 1,000,000 SEK

• Example: Build custom chatbot integrated with CRM and support system

AI Implementation (large):

• 1,000,000 - 10,000,000+ SEK

• Example: Enterprise-wide AI transformation, custom AI platform

Retainer Models

Some AI consulting firms offer "AI-as-a-service" where you pay a fixed monthly fee for ongoing support.

Small business:

• 20,000 - 50,000 SEK/month

• Includes: Ongoing consulting, support, minor updates

Medium-sized companies:

• 50,000 - 150,000 SEK/month

• Includes: Dedicated consultant a few days/week, strategic support

Large companies:

• 150,000 - 500,000+ SEK/month

• Includes: Full-time equivalent consultant, entire teams, comprehensive support

What Affects the Price?

Experience and track record: A consultant who has built 50+ AI solutions can charge more than someone who has built 3.

Specialization: Industry-specific expertise (e.g., AI for finance with GDPR knowledge) costs more.

Complexity: Custom machine learning models cost more than implementing pre-built tools.

Delivery model: On-site consultants cost more than remote.

Company size: Enterprise customers often pay more than small businesses (more complex needs, higher demands).

Which Swedish Companies Offer AI Consulting Services?

Here are some established AI consulting firms in Sweden:

Larger consulting firms with AI practices

Avega Group

• Focus: AI/ML engineering, analytics

• Location: Stockholm

• Type: Medium to large projects

Sogeti (part of Capgemini)

• Focus: Enterprise AI, integration with Microsoft ecosystem

• Location: Gothenburg, Stockholm

• Type: Enterprise customers

TietoEVRY

• Focus: AI for Nordic companies, customer service automation

• Location: Entire Nordics

• Type: Large implementations

Specialized AI consulting firms

Ulv AI

• Focus: AI solutions for growth, AEO (AI Engine Optimization)

• Location: Stockholm

• Type: Small to medium businesses

Servai

• Focus: Custom AI assistants, GDPR focus

• Location: Stockholm

• Type: Swedish companies with compliance requirements

Decerno

• Focus: AI strategy, implementation, GIS, and geographic systems

• Location: Stockholm, Gothenburg

• Type: Public sector, construction, transport

JSC (Joint Solution Consulting)

• Focus: Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure AI

• Location: Sweden

• Type: Companies with Microsoft ecosystem

Aixia

• Focus: GPU-optimized data centers, Nvidia partner

• Location: Sweden

• Type: Technically advanced AI projects

Global consulting firms with Swedish presence

McKinsey Digital

• Focus: AI strategy for C-level

• Type: Enterprise transformation

BCG Gamma

• Focus: AI + business strategy

• Type: Large companies

Accenture AI

• Focus: Enterprise AI implementations

• Type: Fortune 500 level

How to Choose the Right AI Consultant?

Choosing the wrong AI consultant can cost millions and waste months. Here is what to look for:

1. Industry Experience

Ask:

• Have you worked with companies in our industry before?

• Can you show case studies from similar projects?

• Do you understand our regulatory requirements (GDPR, industry-specific regulations)?

Why it matters: An AI consultant who has built solutions for banks understands compliance requirements that a generalist may not. The same goes for healthcare, retail, manufacturing, etc.

2. Technical Competence

Ask:

• Which AI models and technologies do you work with?

• Do you have certifications (Azure AI, AWS ML, Google Cloud AI)?

• Can we see code examples or GitHub repos?

Red flags:

• Cannot explain the technology in simple terms

• Promises "AI will solve everything" without specifics

• No portfolio or case studies

3. Track Record and References

Ask:

• Can you provide contact information for 3 previous customers?

• What results have your AI projects achieved? (ROI, cost savings, revenue increases)

• How many AI projects have you delivered in the past 2 years?

Gold standard: The consultant can show concrete results: "We implemented an AI chatbot that reduced customer service costs by 40% in 6 months."

4. Approach and Methodology

Ask:

• What does your process look like from start to finish?

• How do you involve our team in the project?

• What happens after go-live? Support? Optimization?

Good signs:

• Clear project plan with milestones

• Focus on business outcomes, not just technology

• Plan for knowledge transfer (so you do not become dependent)

5. Communication and Culture

Ask:

• How often do you report progress?

• How do you handle if the project derails?

• What does your team look like? (mix of tech + business?)

Good signs:

• Speaks fluent Swedish (if this is important to you)

• Can explain AI to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Transparent about risks and challenges

6. Pricing and Business Model

Ask:

• Fixed price or time & materials?

• What is included in the price? (support? updates? training?)

• What are your payment terms?

Red flags:

• Unclear what is included

• Everything costs extra

• No ROI estimate

7. GDPR and Data Protection

Ask:

• How do you handle our data?

• Is data stored within the EU?

• Do you have data processing agreements (DPA)?

Critical for Swedish companies: Make sure the consultant takes GDPR seriously and can document compliance.

When Does Your Company Need an AI Consultant?

Not all companies need an AI consultant. Here is when it is worth it:

You PROBABLY NEED an AI consultant if:

✅ You want to implement AI but do not know where to start You have heard about AI's potential but no one on the team has expertise.

✅ You have tried AI tools but they do not deliver results You have implemented ChatGPT or Copilot but no one uses it effectively.

✅ You need custom AI solutions Pre-built tools do not fit – you need something built specifically for your business.

✅ You have a large AI project that must deliver There is a lot at stake (budget, deadlines, expectations) and you cannot fail.

✅ You need AI expertise temporarily It is not worth hiring a full-time AI expert, but you need expertise for 3-6 months.

✅ You have compliance requirements (GDPR, industry regulations) You work in a regulated industry and must ensure that AI follows regulations.

You do NOT necessarily need an AI consultant if:

❌ You just want to test AI tools To try out ChatGPT, Copilot, or similar you do not need a consultant. Start yourself.

❌ You have internal AI competence If you already have data scientists or ML engineers internally, they can lead AI initiatives.

❌ You have a very small budget If you only have 20,000-50,000 SEK to spend, use it on pre-built AI tools instead.

❌ You do not have clear goals If you do not know WHAT you want to achieve, a consultant will waste your time and money.

The Future of AI Consultants

The AI consulting industry is growing explosively. Here is what is happening in the future:

2025-2026: Specialization Increases

AI consultants will become more niche:

• AI-agent specialists (implementing autonomous AI agents)

• Multimodal AI experts (AI handling text + image + sound + video)

• AI governance consultants (focus on ethics, bias, compliance)

2026-2027: AI Consultants Become "AI Coaches"

As AI tools become more accessible (like Microsoft Copilot for everyone), the consultant's role will shift from "build for us" to "teach us to build ourselves."

2027+: AI Consultants Use AI Agents

Ironically, AI consultants themselves will begin using AI agents to deliver faster and cheaper.

Example: An AI consultant uses AI agents that:

• Automatically analyze customer data

• Generate AI strategy documents

• Write code for AI models

• Test and optimize solutions

This can reduce the cost of AI consulting services by 50-70%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between an AI consultant and an IT consultant?

An IT consultant focuses on traditional IT systems (networks, servers, applications). An AI consultant specializes in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and AI-driven solutions. AI consultants often have backgrounds in data science, statistics, and machine learning.

How much does an AI consultant earn in Sweden?

Hourly rates range from 1000-4000 SEK/hour for Swedish consultants, with elite consultants (international level) who can charge 5000-8400 SEK/hour. In fixed salaries, AI consultants often earn 60,000-100,000+ SEK/month depending on experience.

Does my company need an AI consultant or can we do it ourselves?

It depends on your internal competence and the complexity of the project. If you have data scientists or ML engineers internally, you can handle simpler projects yourself. For strategic AI transformation, custom AI development, or when you lack internal expertise, a consultant is worth the investment.

How long does a typical AI project take?

An AI strategy workshop can be done in 1 day. Implementation of pre-built tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) takes 2-8 weeks. Custom AI development takes 3-12 months. Large enterprise transformations can take 12-36 months.

What are the most common AI projects Swedish companies start with?

The most common first projects are:

1. AI chatbots for customer service

2. AI assistants for employees (Microsoft Copilot)

3. Data analysis and business intelligence with AI

4. AI for marketing and content creation

5. Predictive analysis (sales forecasts, maintenance, etc.)

Do we need perfect data to start with AI?

No, but better data gives better results. An AI consultant's first job is often to help companies improve their data. Perfect data is almost never possible – it's about getting to "good enough" data to start.

How is ROI measured on AI projects?

ROI can be measured in several ways:

• Cost savings: Less manual work, fewer employees needed for repetitive tasks

• Revenue increase: Better sales forecasts, personalization that boosts conversion

• Time gains: Tasks that took hours now take minutes

• Quality improvement: Fewer errors, better customer satisfaction

A good AI consultant helps you set up KPIs before the project starts.

What is the difference between hiring an AI consultant vs hiring an AI expert?

AI Consultant (temporary):

• Flexible (hire for specific projects)

• Broad experience (seen many different projects)

• More expensive per hour but no fixed cost

AI Expert Employed (full-time):

• Long-term investment

• Gets to know the company deeply

• Cheaper in the long run if you have continuous AI work

Many companies start with a consultant to build the first solution, then hire an AI expert to maintain and develop it.

How do I know if an AI consultant is serious or just selling hype?

Red flags:

• Promises "AI solves all problems"

• Cannot explain the technology in simple terms

• No concrete case studies or references

• Focuses only on the technology, not business outcomes

Green flags:

• Talks about both opportunities AND limitations

• Asks a lot about your business before suggesting solutions

• Can show concrete results from previous projects

• Transparent about pricing and risks

Can AI consultants help with GDPR and AI ethics?

Yes, many AI consultants specialize in AI governance, which includes GDPR compliance, bias detection, and ethical guidelines. This is especially important for Swedish companies that must adhere to the EU's strict data protection regulations.

Conclusion: Is an AI Consultant Worth It?

For most Swedish companies looking to seriously invest in AI, the answer is yes.

An AI consultant is worth it if:

• You save months of trial-and-error

• You avoid costly mistakes (wrong tools, bad data, failed projects)

• You get an AI solution that actually delivers ROI

• You build internal AI competence (through training and knowledge transfer)

An AI consultant is NOT worth it if:

• You just want to "test" AI (in that case: start with ChatGPT or Copilot yourself)

• You have a budget of <50,000 SEK (in that case: buy pre-built tools)

• You do not have clear goals or commitment from management

Bottom line: AI is no longer a "nice-to-have" – it is a "must-have" for companies that want to be competitive in 2025 and beyond. A good AI consultant can be the difference between an AI initiative that transforms the company and one that becomes an expensive failure.

If you are considering hiring an AI consultant, start by:

1. Defining your goals (what do you want to achieve?)

2. Setting a realistic budget

3. Interviewing at least 3 consultants

4. Checking references carefully

5. Starting with a small pilot project before making big investments

Written by: aival.se