Virke is the main industry and employer association for the retail and services sector in Norway, with members from all parts of the sector. They gain insight, and with it, also more political relevance for their members through DIG.
Virke is one of two DIG-partners who are an association set up to serve the interests of its corporate members, rather than developing their own products and services. Exec VP for membership, Ole-Jacob Mosvold in Virke says that the main attractions from the DIG-partnership for them is making research and developments from academia available to its members. In addition, updated and relevant knowledge from DIG makes the organization better equipped to work for members’ interests on the political stage.
DIG and Virke have had an organized cooperation and partnership since 2009. DIG has been the most important partner for Virke in research and development. – This gives us access to important networks, we gain knowledge, and we involve our members in concrete research projects. DIG have also contributed at various events and shared a platform with us, Ole-Jacob Mosvold says. – We want to bridge the gap between business and academia and emphasise the societal aspects of the services and retail sectors in Norway. DIG is a tool for us to bridge that gap. Businesses in the retail and services sectors are used to making decisions faster than the speed that new knowledge emerges from the scientific sector. This way they may take steps to improve and influence their business conditions and relevant regulations. The effect of our cooperation with DIG is thus both direct and indirect, Mosvold continues.
- This is an area where all Norwegian businesses are in the middle of a major transition, and the shift does not differentiate between smaller and larger corporations. They must all follow this closely, Mosvold says. He further points out that the competitive edge here doesn’t depend on who has the better technology, but who is best at applying it.
- We come back to the two tasks for us as an industry association whose mandate is to serve our members. We want to relay the latest from research on how AI can be applied in business. Secondly, we want to see how this requires changes in the regulatory framework for businesses, head of membership, Ole-Jacob Mosvold tells. He adds that they are aiming at providing both subjects and objects for research from its members to DIG.
- Virke itself is an organisation that is constantly developing, and we see how cooperation with DIG improves the way we operate. We often see members of staff here returning very inspired from workshops and other events at DIG, he continues.
- An inclusive work life is one of three prioritized areas in our work for the coming years. Our members are the first workplace for many people. We are working with the public sector and others to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse workplace. However, we need more insight into the importance and value of “the grey gold” emerging from the demographic changes. We need to grow the workforce. It is important that DIG continues to provide research and knowledge on the implications of an ageing workforce, says Mosvold.
- Another perspective is to address the demographic changes with a positive attitude, and here many businesses have a long way to go. Demographic changes also mean changes to the customer base for many in the retail sector and services industries. We need to help our members understand and meet the demands from this customer segment. What are the demands from a digitally smart and more mature customer base with more time on their hands and significant purchasing power? Businesses have yet to find out, Mosvold concludes.
