sas logo
Cluster of light blue circles and half circles

A report by SAS

Data, trust and accountability:

Tackling fraud in the Nordic public sector


Research Report

Fraud, waste and error (FWE) are costing the Nordic public sector dearly - leaders estimate 16% of budgets are lost, equating to millions of kroner, kronor and euros each year. Beyond the financial hit, 96% say FWE has damaged public trust, making fraud prevention a top priority.

The report reveals that while AI and generative AI are already boosting productivity in tackling FWE, adoption in the Nordics lags behind global peers. Only 46% of public bodies currently use AI, yet nearly all expect to within two years – split on 97% for use of AI and 95% for use of Gen AI.

Case studies show how AI can accelerate identity checks, improve taxpayer compliance, and free up staff for complex tasks.

But technology alone isn’t enough. Stronger collaboration, better data foundations, and trustworthy governance are essential. The report distils its findings into five principles and a five-step AI lifecycle - a roadmap for turning innovation into real impact.

Download the full report to see the data, strategies, and case studies in detail.