technology is no longer considered neutral, and sovereignty over the technology and the platforms is considered more important
Endre Dingsør
When technology is no longer neutral
Retail and industry association Virke works for large sections of Norwegian businesses. When staying updated on how AI is developing and shaping the economic landscape of Norway, DIG provides knowledge from research and partners.
Endre Dingsør of Virke says that their members have taken huge steps in their use and implementation of AI over the past year, even if some members are at a more advanced stage than others.
- One major change we see is that technology is no longer considered neutral, and sovereignty over the technology and the platforms is considered more important, he says.
He points to the development where the public sector and authorities make it a point to reduce dependence on American technology.
- This will have a strong influence on our members. The EU works on legislation that will make sovereignty an important factor for public tenders, he says.
- Will we be able to innovate in the same way as before? Will we have access to the leading AI-models? These are important questions, and our answer is yes. Norway is part of the digital single market in Europe, and the EU measures to increase European investments in AI and digital technology in general become relevant for Norwegian businesses via the EEA-treaty, Endre Dingsør points out.
Locking in – and creating opportunities
Endre Dingsør tells that many of Virke’s members are locked in to the “monoculture” we often see in markets where there are a few, dominating suppliers.
- Some of our members are “locked in” with their traditional suppliers. They simply apply the services they are offered, he says.
He adds that the “lock-in” must be carefully considered, as this could soon become an additional cost or a liability.
- They need to be very mindful about this to make good decisions and choices, he says.
However, he also points out that as we see the emergence of a European AI with greater control and sovereignty, we also see an emerging market.
- This is a major opportunity for Norwegian and European businesses, Dingsør says.
Estimates from the EU suggest a EUR 264 bn market for such services currently imported from other markets.
- The annual RankmyAI-report from DIG tells us how this market is developing and gives important insights, he says and adds that DIG also includes other partners with a lot of relevant experiences.
- This is valuable for our members, and for Virke on behalf of our members, Endre Dingsør adds.
DIG-partner with new body to promote fast and ethical AI-use
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.
Better services for members
Virke also aim to apply the new technology to improve services to members.
- The new technology and AI help us improve services to our members. Insight and understanding become available to members, and we can provide a much deeper understanding and insight beyond what a broad organization such as Virke would normally be able to, he says.
- We are currently working on how we can offer this on digital platforms. The aim is to offer these enhanced services on a personalized platform for each member within a year, he concludes.
- Making effective use of AI – every day
- Active use of AI has increased sevenfold over the past year, says Helene Cappelen, head of the You & AI unit of Gjensidige. Insurance company Gjensidige is one of DIG’s long-term partners. The company has taken major steps forward over the past year in scaling AI across its operations.