Global technology consultancy Reaktor and the University of Helsinki have launched a groundbreaking research project to investigate the effects of Generative AI (GenAI) tools on software development productivity. Now, several leading Finnish companies have joined the research, which is set to deliver its findings within the next six months.

The potential of generative AI (GenAI) tools to boost developer productivity is widely acknowledged, yet concrete evidence of their impact in real-world software development environments remains limited. This research aims to bridge that gap by delivering actionable data and insights on AI-assisted software development. For the first time, the topic is being studied with this level of depth in real-world business and development environments.

Several leading organizations are participating in the study, including media company Alma Media; RELEX Solutions, a fast-growing firm specializing in supply chain and retail planning; and technology companies Exertus, Insol, Moment Digital, Qoco Systems, and Vuolearning. In close collaboration with these companies, the research will examine both the benefits and challenges that AI-assisted tools bring to different types of development teams. The study’s objectives go beyond productivity: it will also assess how AI tools affect work quality and the overall developer experience.

“It’s a privilege to have these forward-thinking Finnish companies join our research, all committed to leading the way in understanding the real impact of GenAI tools and AI assistants on software development productivity. Together we’re taking AI research straight into everyday development work and helping the whole software industry make better use of AI,” says Marko Aalto, VP of Data and AI at Reaktor.

“Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in Alma Media’s strategy, from delivering customer value to enhancing employee competencies. This research collaboration supports our AI program and enables us to evaluate the impact of generative AI on the productivity, quality of work, and overall developer experience of our development teams,” says Antti Koivisto, Chief Technology Officer at Alma Media.

“Artificial intelligence has been at the heart of Relex’s business for over 20 years, and it remains the cornerstone of our strategy. This research is highly valuable, as it helps us further advance our AI capabilities to better serve both our customers and our own product development teams,” says Tommi Vilkamo, Engineering Director at RELEX Solutions.

“We develop intelligent, scalable control systems for mobile machinery, and the core of Exertus’s expertise lies in our ability to seamlessly integrate software, embedded electronics, and modern user interface design into demanding environments. Artificial intelligence is already a key part of our product development, from various stages of software production to the creation of technical solutions. We expect this research to deliver concrete insights into how we can further enhance the efficiency and quality of our software development,” says Arttu Pulli, Chief Technology Officer at Exertus Oy.

“Making the most of AI is crucial for Finland’s productivity and global competitiveness. Now it’s time to move from talking to doing and bring real, concrete results to the productivity discussion. Working with these leading companies, our research is helping turn that into reality,” says Pekka Horo, CEO of Reaktor.

About the research

This study will evaluate the impact of GenAI tools, such as GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT and Cursor, on software development productivity using established metrics like DORA. The research will focus on companies whose development teams have not yet adopted AI tools, providing a unique opportunity to measure the effects of these tools in a real-world software development environment. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research.

About Reaktor

Reaktor is a global technology consultancy tackling complex, business-critical challenges in the most demanding industry sectors. We combine strategy, design, and technology to help ambitious companies gain a competitive edge and become industry leaders. Our expertise spans the full lifecycle of problem-solving – from pioneering data and AI to strategy, design, development, change management and continuous services – anchored in deep industry know-how and high-performing, multidisciplinary teams. And we don’t do it alone. Through the Reaktor Ecosystem, our clients gain access to over 6,000 specialized experts across 40+ trusted partner firms – amplifying capability, speed, and scale.

Founded in 2000, Reaktor has offices in Helsinki, Amsterdam, Lisbon, New York, and Tokyo, with over 700 employees. Reaktor’s customers include Adidas, HBO, Supercell, Cathay Pacific and KONE.

About University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki is Finland’s largest and oldest academic institution with a community of 40,000 students and employees. Since 1640, it has contributed to the establishment of a fair and equal society that is considered the best in the world according to a number of indicators. The multidisciplinary university operates on four campuses in Helsinki and at university centers in Lahti, Mikkeli, and Seinäjoki. Additionally, it has six research stations across Finland and one in Kenya.

About Alma Media

Alma Media is an international company focused on marketplace business, digital services and media.

In Finland, the company’s best-known brands are Kauppalehti, Talouselämä, Iltalehti, Etuovi.com, Nettiauto and Nettimoto. Alma operates in 11 European countries, offering market-leading recruitment services in Eastern Central Europe. The company has a strong capacity for renewal and develops sustainable services that combine high-quality content and advanced technology – in a locally relevant way. In 2024, Alma Media’s net sales from continuing operations were EUR 313 million, of which digital business accounted for 84%. The company’s shares are listed on NASDAQ Helsinki.

About Exertus

Exertus is a Finnish technology and software company that develops and manufactures intelligent control systems and related software and components for mobile machinery. The company’s solutions are used in, among other things, construction, mining and forestry machinery and special vehicles. Exertus’ offering covers, among other things, vehicle control, hydraulics management, machine safety solutions and intuitive user interfaces that seamlessly connect the machine and the user. The company works in close cooperation with OEM manufacturers and offers its customers comprehensive support from product development to series production.

Founded in 2003, Exertus has 44 employees in Finland and Germany and its turnover was approximately 9 million euros in 2024. The company’s head office is located in Seinäjoki, from where it serves its customers both domestically and internationally. Exertus has been part of the Swedish Dacke Industri Group since 2021. The Dacke Industri Group includes 27 subsidiaries, over 1,700 employees and a turnover of SEK 4.6 billion. Dacke Industri is owned by the Swedish Nordstjernan Foundation.

About RELEX Solutions

RELEX Solutions delivers a unified supply chain planning platform for retailers and manufacturers, enabled by proven AI technology. We help companies optimize demand forecasting, replenishment, merchandising, pricing and promotions, supply chain operations, and production planning across the end-to-end value chain. Brands like ADUSA, AutoZone, Coles, Circle K, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, M&S Food, PetSmart, Rituals, The Home Depot, and Systemair trust RELEX to increase product availability, boost sales, deliver actionable insights, improve sustainability, and drive profitable growth.