With an estimated $900bn sovereign wealth fund largely from the country’s huge oil and gas sectors, Norway is in a unique position within Europe and outside the European Union.
Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg is a breath of fresh air.
“It’s what can you offer on the table.. not whether you’re members of the European Union or not”
The Memo spoke with the PM at the Cutting Edge Festival, as part of Oslo Innovation Week.
As Solberg explains in our video interview below, despite being outside of the EU, the Norwegian state has taken a leading role in supporting new technologies, and continues to pay money into the EU’s Horizon 2020 research fund.
The PM hit the headlines earlier this month after she was caught playing Pokémon Go during a debate in Parliament. At the time she cleverly brushed off criticism by pointing out on Twitter:
“We ladies can do two things at the same time you know,”
Haha, herregud. @erna_solberg spilte pokemon Go i Stortinget under #trontaledebatten … mens @Trinesg sto på talerstolen! pic.twitter.com/WwagLoJit7
— Eivind Trædal (@eivindtraedal) October 5, 2016
When asked about her favourite technologies, Solberg had this refreshing take:
“I love everything about technology that’s about independence for people in care.”
Like most developed nations, Norway has an ageing population. Solberg recognises the potential for new technologies to give disabled and elderly people more independence and a brighter future for us all.
An inspiring thought for politicians across Europe.
Watch Norway PM Erna Solberg discuss Brexit, Pokémon Go and tech for social good:
Video interviews on The Memo are made possible by the kind support of Gowling WLG, the leading law firm for fast-growing tech businesses.
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