With the increased attention it is giving to artificial intelligence (AI), it is clear that the Norwegian government seeks to build national capabilities in AI policy and research with a view to becoming a country that the international community can look to in the future.
Following recent developments, such as the government’s announcement that it will invest NOK 1 billion in AI research, the Ministry of Defence’s new national strategy for AI, and a plan to participate in the Digital Europe Programme, Norway is also increasingly looking for partners and collaborations regionally and internationally.
Recently, the Norwegian Consortium for Artificial Intelligence Research (NORA) met with its North Atlantic counterparts from the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland to draft the AI policy document “Aligning Efforts: Artificial Intelligence in the North Atlantic Region”. This document identifies 12 recommendations on how AI research institutes can work with policymakers and industry on (i) strengthening language and culture in AI, (ii) improving AI literacy, (iii) building sustainable digital infrastructure, and (iv) introducing new industrial policy for AI and robotics.
The recommendations are as follows:
Strengthening language and culture in AI
- Make an actionable language data strategy for the region to increase investment in AI capacity – with national archives and other relevant entities.
- Establish a collaboration between governments to integrate language accessibility tools by 2030 – with the Norwegian universal accessibility supervision authority.
- Deliver robust benchmarks for regional languages and culture to ensure linguistic autonomy by 2027 – inspired by the Icelandic Language Technology Programme.
Expanding AI literacy
- Integrate technology skills and AI literacy throughout the education system, build capacity from primary school and create AI courses at university levels.
- Develop and share awareness material regarding AI, deep fakes and misinformation and their effects on democracy.
- Prioritise continuous AI skill development in the workforce
Building sustainable digital infrastructure
- Invest in shared, sustainable computing to facilitate access by local companies, research institutions, and other actors.
- Develop policies on construction and local ownership of digital and energy infrastructures, cyber security and privacy.
- Share expertise and successful AI projects to enhance innovation and operational efficiency, bolster the region’s technological capacity, and contribute to a more cohesive and robust digital region.
Introducing new industrial policy for AI and robotics
- Dedicate 100 million NOK to create the North Atlantic Investment fund for industrial-scale AI and robotics. Half to ensure industrial investments and half to support industrial PhDs.
- Make a joint plan for maritime AI and robotics in the region for 2025-2030.
- Establish the Nordic Atlantic Regulatory AI Sandbox for Maritime Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in the region to address the new EU AI Act.
If you would like to learn more about Norway’s AI ambitions and what they mean for your organisation, please contact Anja Engen at [email protected].
