Foreword

Technology has the power to transform society. It challenges policy and drives economic growth.

Norway is one of the most digitalised countries in the world and aims to become the most digitalised country by 2030. The rapid technological development we are witnessing is bringing major changes that present significant opportunities and challenges. We are at a turning point, so we must ensure that technology is used for the benefit of people and for development and growth across the country.

In Norway, more than 110,000 people were employed in technology-based companies in 2022. These companies are characterised by higher average value creation per employee than the rest of the land-based industry, and they are largely providers of services.1 Industry that builds on and exploits technology in a knowledge-based, responsible and innovative way will be well placed to establish itself in new markets and remain competitive. When Norwegian technology companies succeed, it is good for Norwegian value creation and Norwegian jobs, and that is why the Støre Government has high ambitions for Norway as a technology nation. Norway needs more companies that grow and make use of advanced technology in the years ahead to ensure continued economic growth.

At a time of great international turmoil, economic security and market access are absolutely crucial. That is why efforts to secure market access and favourable conditions for the Norwegian industry abroad are central to our work.

The roadmap is based on emerging technologies with a particularly high potential to transform industry. The roadmap describes technological developments in industry both nationally and internationally, and how we as a country can increase value creation and improve our competitiveness. In addition to providing an overview, it will set a clear direction for the Government’s future work. The roadmap marks the start of closer cooperation between the authorities, industry and other relevant societal actors.

The work on the roadmap has been a collaboration between the Minister of Industry and Commerce and the Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance. Consultation meetings have been held with industry, organisations and research communities. The roadmap builds on the Government’s digitalisation strategy and export reform.

Norway is well placed to succeed in technology-based industries, and our aim is for the roadmap to increase knowledge and inspire initiative, innovation and business development.

The Government has the following objectives:

• Norway will become the Nordic leader in digital innovation and be an attractive country for establishing and scaling technology-based companies.
• Norway will further develop research in deep tech and strengthen the interaction between industry and research communities.
• Norway will capitalise on our key strengths: a population with highly developed technology skills, a highly digitalised public sector and high degree of accessibility to data.
• Norway will harness the potential in sectors where we are leaders in innovation, such as energy, the maritime sector, aquaculture and health.
• Norway will facilitate innovation through the use of artificial intelligence, including via AI Norway, access to high-performance computing power and Norwegian-developed language models.
• Norway will strengthen digital skills among both current and future employees and be an attractive destination for people with the necessary specialised information and communications technology (ICT) skills.

Cecilie Myrseth – Minister of Industry and Commerce

Karianne Oldernes Tung – Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance