The Norwegian Government has set aside one billion kroner to go towards digital technology and Artificial Intelligence research.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are going to change society in ways we cannot control. Therefore, strengthening Artificial Intelligence research is vital to ensure that development takes place in line with current societal values, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The Norwegian Government is increasing Artificial Intelligence research by at least NOK one billion over the next five years.
The investment will contribute to greater insight into the consequences of technological development for society.
More knowledge about new digital technologies and opportunities for innovation in business and the public sector will also be provided.
The research will be financed within the framework of the Ministry of Education.
Why is Artificial Intelligence research important?
Artificial Intelligence must be researched and developed, but understanding the consequences of the technology is also very important. Because of this, we must mobilise for research and innovation in a number of subject areas.
Research and Higher Education Minister, Sandra Borch, stated that Norway is one of the most digitised countries in the world and therefore has a unique starting point for success.
However, more research, innovation, and competence are needed to get the new technologies into use.
Three main tracks to the research effort
The research effort will have three main tracks:
- Research into how digital technologies can be used for innovation in business and the public sector and how Artificial Intelligence can be used in research in different subject areas.
- Research into the societal consequences of Artificial Intelligence and other digital technology. At the centre of this research will be the themes of trust, democracy, ethics, economy, legal certainty and regulations, privacy, teaching and learning, and art and culture.
- Digital technologies as a research area in itself. This will include research into Artificial Intelligence, digital security, the next generation of ICT, new sensors, and quantum technology.
The initiative will have significance for Norway
The research and innovation initiative will have great significance for Norwegian society.
It is important that society mobilises together in the face of the biggest challenges. The government must do its part of the job – allocate the necessary resources and point out the direction.
Then the government will jointly shape this major investment, says Støre.
Future plans for digitalisation
The government is also starting major work across ministries and sectors to look at measures for expertise, datasets, and infrastructure for research and innovation with the future of data processing.
The work is a follow-up to the long-term plan for research and higher education. It will be seen in connection with the government’s other work on digitalisation.
