Turning 70 this spring, his tenure as a professor at the Department of Strategy and Management at the NHH ends in May. A highlight of his career was to first take over as the leader of the SFI CSI and then establish the research centre Digital Innovation for Sustainable Growth (DIG). Both during this period and through the rest of his academic career, Andreassen proved to be one of the most productive and profiled academics in his field and generally at NHH. 

From dissertation to retirement 

The occasion was marked by colleagues and research fellows from NHH and beyond with a special seminar in Tor’s honour. A key-note speech came from Professor Roland Rust of the University of Maryland. He said he had followed Tor’s career full circle, as he was opponent at the dissertation for Andreassen’s PhD-thesis, and now he addressed him at the end of his academic career. Rust shared some of the latest insight into the development of an empathetic AI and how AI is developing to cope with human emotions and thus could have a major impact on the services industry. 

The seminar centred on topics from Tor Wallin Andreassen’s research over many years, and how current researchers have taken inspiration from and will carry on research within the same fields on AI-development, innovation in business and the importance of customers’ views and priorities. 

Joining investment firm 

Tor also revealed that even if he closes the door to the academic sector, he will continue his work to help innovate and develop Norwegian businesses. He will join the investment company Digital insight as a partner. – We shall invest in innovative startups and help them grow. I will continue to work with Open Innovation Lab Norway. Here I can continue to use my curiosity and continue writing and teaching, he says. 

He does admit however, that he will miss his colleagues and the many stimulating conversations with them and with students.