Helsingin Kamari Oy
Helsingin Kamari Oy publishes specialist literature aimed at businesses and professionals. Lingsoft’s AI-assisted translation service makes it possible to make popular works available to international experts working in Finland in a more cost-effective way than before – without compromising on the quality of terminology, content or language.
Helsingin Kamari Oy’s publishing activities cover a wide range of topics in the business world, from human resources and financial management to leadership, communications, marketing and sales. These practical professional publications are aimed at company management, supervisors and experts in various fields. Helsingin Kamari’s e-books are also distributed via Ellibs, part of the Lingsoft Group, which means that the books are available to many library users, for example.
However, there are an increasing number of professionals working in Finland who need information in English about the local labour market, legislation and business practices. This need has also been highlighted in the survey results received by Helsingin Kamari.
“Demand for English-language materials has increased. For example, a foreign executive may be based in Finland and must be familiar with the rules of Finnish working life, or the board of a Finnish start-up may include international members,” explains Leena Viitala, a producer at Helsingin Kamari Oy..
Two popular books for English-speaking readers
Lingsoft has translated two specialist books from Finnish into English for Helsingin Kamari. Työsuhde tutuksi – esihenkilön selviytymisopas was published in English under the title Introduction to Employment – A Supervisor’s Guide. This book deals with Finnish labour law and is aimed particularly at supervisors and HR professionals.
Another translated work is Hyvä hallitustyö, aimed at professional board members, which was published in English under the title Good Board Work. The book can also be used in training courses relating to board work.
“Both books provide practical information on the Finnish business environment. We realised that there is also a clear need for them in English,” says Viitala.
In the past, the translation of specialist books has been constrained in particular by the high cost of the traditional translation process in relation to the estimated demand for the work. Lingsoft’s AI-assisted service made it easier to explore how English-language versions could be produced more cost-effectively than before.
Artificial intelligence speeds up the process and a professional adds the finishing touches
The collaboration between Helsingin Kamari and Lingsoft on AI-assisted translations began as a pilot project in spring 2025. The process involves a textual analysis of the work, an AI-assisted pre-translation, and finalisation and proofreading by an experienced professional translator. The final, human-checked translation is submitted to Helsingin Kamari.
“The process is working well and both projects are progressing smoothly. Artificial intelligence speeds up the work and improves cost-effectiveness, but for us it is an absolute prerequisite that a professional translator specialising in the sector’s terminology is also involved,” emphasises Viitala.
Translating specialist literature requires not only a good command of the language but also an understanding of the subject matter and context. A book on labour law emphasises the importance of precise legal terminology whereas, when dealing with content relating to corporate governance, the translator must be familiar with the nuances and terminology associated with management and company law.
For example, the English words leadership and management can both be translated as ‘johtaminen’, but they mean different things. Not just any translator can produce texts like these; the work requires specialist expertise.
The authors of the works were also involved in reviewing the translations and took great care to ensure that the content and key concepts were accurately conveyed in English.
Cost-effectiveness lowers the threshold for translation
The greatest benefit of the AI-assisted process for Helsingin Kamari is the opportunity to make high-quality professional content available to new user groups with a lower barrier to entry than before.
“Translation work is traditionally quite expensive, so cost-effectiveness plays a major role in determining which works can be published in English. An AI-assisted model makes the creation of new language versions a more realistic prospect. Works in English benefit not only international experts but also the Finnish companies that employ them. When key information about Finnish working life and business is available in English, it supports induction, skills development and the establishment of common working practices.”
Expert knowledge in new formats and for new target groups
Helsingin Kamari assesses the need for new language versions on the basis of subject matter and demand. Once a suitable work and a clearly defined target audience have been identified, an AI-assisted translation service offers a practical model for internationalising content.
“The challenge is to identify and reach the target group that needs information in a particular language. Nor does the content always have to be a traditional book; it can be available in various digital formats,” says Viitala.
The pilot provides a solid foundation for continued cooperation.
“Our collaboration with Lingsoft has gone smoothly. Everything has been handled as agreed and promptly, and we have been very pleased with the results.”
Helsingin Kamari Oy is a service company of the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce.
Facts and figures
- The Finnish Chambers of Commerce and the Central Chamber of Commerce were established in 1917 and 1918 (the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce in 1917)
- The Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce covers 21 municipalities
- It has about 90 members of staff
