Norway is ramping up its ambitious technology expansion with the launch of the National Digitisation Forum (NDF). This forum will provide advice to shape government policy on digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI).
The NDF is a gathering space, bringing together tech experts, government ministers, civil servants, and leaders from business and trade unions. Its mission includes examining how to combine trust, data, privacy, and regulation with advances in AI.
The NDF’s main goal? To drive digitisation in Norway and equip the government to face the challenges posed by new technologies—especially in sectors like society, climate, energy, and the green transition.
This initiative appears just as Norway gears up to release its new National Digitization Strategy (NDS) by the end of 2024. Karianne Tung, the minister for digitisation and public administration, emphasized the need for Norway to become a more proactive user of technology. She believes accelerating AI adoption and digitisation can free up labor, create jobs, and help tackle serious social issues. Tung views the NDF as a crucial tool for achieving these goals.
In October 2023, the government highlighted the NDF’s role with the appointment of a dedicated minister for digitisation, which culminated in the creation of the Ministry of Digitization and Public Administration (MDPA) in January 2024. The NDF will evaluate AI tools that could assist the government in managing key areas like security, demographics, and energy independence.
The NDF plans to host discussions featuring experts and representatives from both the public and private sectors. This forum will facilitate dialogue on how emerging technologies will reshape business and industry.
Tung acknowledges that societies must adapt to the rapid changes brought about by new technologies. She adds that while digitisation will need boundaries, the forum will provide an opportunity for collaboration among the government, businesses, and others to tackle challenges posed by technology.
Chaired by the MDPA, the NDF aims to guide government initiatives and legislative development in AI and digitisation. A key part of its role will be to advocate for new technology applications, ensuring Norway stays competitive on the international stage.
The MDPA plans to use the NDF to anchor and promote policies that advance the country’s green and digital transitions. Tung stressed that the forum will strengthen government efforts to address real societal needs and enhance coordination in digitisation initiatives across various sectors.
Business leaders and interest groups, including IKT-Norge, Norway’s major ICT sector representative, have welcomed the NDF. There’s been frustration in the corporate sector about the government’s pace in policy formulation for AI and digitisation.
IKT-Norge’s CEO, Øyvind Husby, pointed out that citizens expect AI to improve their everyday services. He outlined three priorities: improving data quality in shareable cloud solutions, enhancing conditions for innovation, and pushing for clearer political direction to position Norway as a European leader in AI.
Norway’s efforts in digital governance leverage collaboration among several entities, including the MDPA, the Digitalisation Agency (DigDir), and the Digitalisation Council. This alliance is working to standardize decision-making and streamline the approval processes for digital investments.
Guri Lande, DigDir’s director of digital strategy, emphasizes the urgent need for innovative approaches to managing AI and digitisation in the public sector. She notes that to harness the full potential of AI and tackle societal challenges, Norway must adopt a different organizational structure than it currently has. Learning from past digitisation missteps is crucial for maximizing AI’s potential in the future.