Alumni Conference 2025: Uncertainty, wealth, and AI
“We’re pushing the limits on subsidies and transfers, and in return we get lots of mountain cabins and renovated homes.”
This was how author and NHH alumnus Martin Bech Holte described Norway’s attitude toward risk.
In a world changing faster than ever, how do we manage wealth and technology? That was the key question at this year’s Alumni Conference.
With over 500 participants, the conference is one of NHH’s largest and most important events. It serves as a key arena for academic enrichment and networking.
a Nordic paradox
Martin Bech Holte gave a sharp analysis of Norway’s economic situation:
`We may have one of the best starting points in the Western world – strong institutions, a highly educated population, and vast natural resources. We have savings worth several times our annual income. Yet we see rising social exclusion and a reluctance to invest. We subsidize heavily, but what we get in return is more cabins and renovated homes.´
He emphasized that economic growth and equality go hand in hand:
`We need a clearer understanding of what truly serves Norway’s long-term interests.´
AI – a human challenge disguised as technology
NHH professors Alexander Lundervold and Eirik S. Knudsen provided insights into the development of artificial intelligence and how AI tools have revolutionized knowledge work. Efficiency is increasing, but so is the need for reflection.
“AI agents resemble us. They’re often right, always confident, solve problems, and are overly self-assured - just like us,” said Eirik S. Knudsen.
Security above all
Knut Visdal, a master’s student at NHH, recently completed an internship at Norway’s embassy in Washington, DC. There, he found himself at the heart of geopolitics during a time of major shifts. Visdal shared that in DC these days, security policy overrides most other concerns. Efficiency becomes secondary.
`Trump no longer cares much about the stock market, but he does care about interest rates on government bonds. ´
The new geopolitical landscape demands a completely different Nordic collaboration, according to Denmark’s Tech Ambassador Anne Marie Melgaard, who participated in the same panel. She pointed out that a united Nordic region would be the world’s 10th largest economy.
`Build a joint Nordic technological and infrastructure system. Invest in shared defense technology that will turn the world’s 10th largest economy into a hard power as well,´ was her advice.
What about NHH?
Rector Helge Thorbjørnsen concluded that the challenge for NHH and the education it offers is clear but complex. NHH must educate for uncertainty, collaboration, and courage.
`It’s when things are uncertain that we can make potentially very profitable decisions,´said the rector.