Artificial intelligence is transforming how organizations operate, compete, and make decisions. But what happens when AI enters the boardroom?

Boards of directors sit at the apex of organizational governance. They oversee strategy, manage risk, and ensure accountability. As AI reshapes the business landscape, boards face new questions:

• How can AI enhance board effectiveness and decision-making?
• What are the risks of using AI with sensitive board materials?
• How should organizations govern the use of AI by board members?
• What competencies do modern board members need in an AI-driven world?

Despite the rapid adoption of AI tools across industries, we have limited systematic knowledge about how this technology is being used at the governance level.

This research initiative addresses that gap, examining how board members across Norway are adopting, using, and navigating AI in their governance work, creating the first comprehensive picture of AI in Norwegian boardrooms.

The first large-scale national survey is being conducted in January and February 2026.

Wish to participate?

If you have not received a link to the survey but wish to participate, please contact the research team at erik.lang@nhh.no and we will send you access.

About the research group

This is a research project by DIG at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), conducted in collaboration with Orgbrain.

DIG is Norway's leading research center on digital innovation for sustainable growth. Through interdisciplinary research and close collaboration with partners, DIG helps Norwegian organizations develop new business models and adapt to a digital everyday life.

Orgbrain is a Norwegian board management platform that simplifies and professionalizes board work. With extensive experience serving boards across sectors, Orgbrain contributes real-world practitioner insight into how boards operate and the challenges they face today.

Together, this collaboration brings academic and industry expertise to create actionable insights for the Norwegian business community.

Research Focus Areas

This large-scale study explores several critical dimensions of AI in board work:

ADOPTION & PRACTICE

• How AI tools are being integrated into board work today. From preparation and analysis to decision support and documentation.

VALUE CREATION

• Where AI adds value to governance work, how it affects board member effectiveness, and what tangible benefits organizations are realizing.

GOVERNANCE & POLICY

• How organizations are approaching guidelines and policies for AI use in board contexts.

COMPETENCE & READINESS

• The skills and knowledge board members need to use AI effectively and responsibly, and how boards are building this capability.

RISKS & CONCERNS

• The challenges and concerns surrounding AI in governance, including confidentiality, accuracy, accountability, and appropriate use.

FUTURE TRAJECTORIES

• How board members and organizations expect AI adoption to evolve, and what the boardroom of the future might look like.

Who this research serves

The insights from this research program will benefit:

• Board members and chairs seeking to understand emerging practices and navigate AI adoption in their own governance work
• Organizations developing frameworks and policies for responsible AI use at the board level
• Business leaders looking to understand how AI is changing the landscape of corporate governance
• Policymakers and regulators shaping the future of governance standards
• Researchers and academics studying digital transformation, corporate governance, and organizational decision-making
• Society at large, by strengthening Norwegian organizations' ability to innovate responsibly and contribute to sustainable economic growth