Foreword

Norway is one of the most digitalised countries in the world, and with this strategy, the Government is laying the foundation for us to become the global leader. Digitalisation is not goal in itself. Rather, it is the tool we need to realise the new opportunities and solve many of the major societal challenges we are facing.

We know that our population is ageing and that we need to mobilise a larger workforce. We know that the business sector needs a stronger foundation and greater access to both skills and data. We know that we need to create new jobs, while reducing emissions and taking better care of the natural environment. And we know that we need greater investments in climate change adaptation, safety and digital infrastructure.

Digitalisation can aid us in all these transitions. Thus, digitalisation is not mainly about technology. It is about the people the technology is intended to serve, and how we use technology to build a safe and equitable society with abundant opportunities.

This strategy charts the course for digital Norway towards 2030 with the aim of making Norway the most digitalised country in the world.

At the same time, digitalisation comes with great responsibility and challenges. We have experienced how screen use affects our children, how disinformation is spread at record speed and how “deep fakes” challenge trust in society. We have also witnessed how some people can quickly be left behind with technology developing more rapidly than ever before.

Our children and young people need to have digital confidence and critical thinking skills. Older adults need to be able to understand and navigate the digital society. Everyone must be included and have equal access. This is a matter of trust and fairness. Digitalisation must benefit all members of society.

To be able to trust technology and that it will be used in our best interests, we must take the helm and steer the course of its development. Technology should not control our society; we should control technology. This is to the benefit of us all. Precisely because this tool is a means to achieving the goal and not the goal in itself.

We will implement the strategy in close collaboration with the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities, the social partners and the business sector. Together, we will leverage digitalisation to build and secure our country.

Jonas Gahr Støre Prime Minister

Karianne O. Tung Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance