Digdir, the Norwegian Digitalisation Agency, will be the home of a new public body - “KI Norge” (KIN), set up by the Government to help and promote the adoption of AI both in the private and public sectors. The head of the new body, Hans Christian Holte talks in this interview about the tasks awaiting the new KIN.
- KIN is the result of a government initiative, and Digdir has been assigned the task to establish it. The aim is to speed up adoption and use of AI. KIN shall also work for ethical and responsible use of AI. Speed and responsibility are not contradictory, says Hans Christian Holte.
Holte points out that many smaller businesses as well as in smaller municipal authorities and state enterprises may be uncertain and a bit restrained in their approach to AI.
- They may feel insecure about the framework they are working within as they face up to integrating AI in their activities. If we can make AI seem clearer and safer we will have delivered on our mandate, Holte says.
Another important task for the new public body will be to give knowledge-based advice on AI and politics to the Government and play a constructive role in public debate.
- We will also cooperate with the The Norwegian Communications Authority as well as the Norwegian Data Protection Authority in order to advice and set up guidelines on the use and protection of individuals and their data when using AI, the incoming head of KIN says.
KIN was formally launched in mid-June 2026 by the Minister of Digitalisation, and the organisation will gradually find its form and function.
- KIN will be built gradually but not be a large organisation. Our aim is to work through others, and to be a hub for information, advice and concrete activities and actions. We will build on the existing framework that is already in place. We will share good practices and cases. Our unique strength will be our broad oversight over the AI field, and close connection with the Government and the Ministry, Hans Christian Holte says.
The head of KIN tells that he will take advantage of the close relationship between them and the academic sector, this includes the newly established AI research centres as well as others.
- AI can often cause a lot of speculations. Academia will be the leading source for insight into the development of AI, both opportunities and threats. Research-based knowledge from academia will be important when considering how society shall relate to the technological development, Holte says.
In conclusion, Hans Christian Holte says his hopes for the new public body is to help us all develop a common understanding of the possibilities offered by AI and what it means for Norwegian society.
- A more shared understanding than what I see today, where we together with the scientific community, the authorities and others can make it clearer how shall approach AI on a societal level is what I aim for, Holte concludes.
