Nordic Innovation was established in Stockholm 1. July 1973 as an organization under the Nordic Council of Ministers and with the purpose to promote a more efficient use of Nordic resources for technology and industrial development. The then name was Nordic Industrial Fund and the first budget counted 10 million DKK.
Read more about our history here
50 years have passed, and a lot has happened since 1973. Priorities have changed and Nordic Innovation has evolved as an organization along with the development of the Nordic region. However, as Managing Director, Svein Berg, says: “the willingness to cooperate has never changed”.
2023 has been a year marked by our anniversary, and the celebration in Oslo was a perfect closure to that.
I meet new contacts that will be good for our future work. Also pleased to been part of the future panel. Lovely food and music! Great choice of venue. So what’s not to like?
- Guest at Nordic Innovation's anniversary celebration
The next 50 years with cross Nordic innovation
In the panel discussion ‘The next 50 years with cross Nordic innovation’, current project partners discussed innovation from a future perspective.
Cecilie Sjöberg, moderator and Member of Nordic Innovation’s board, opened the discussion:
“What do circular business models, artificial intelligence, electric aircraft and 3D printed lamps made of sugar and shells have in common? They are all descriptions of Nordic Innovation projects. We are now going to talk with four pioneers in these fields who can tell us how they think innovation contributes to strengthening the Nordics’ position.”
Maria Fiskerud from Heart Aeroespace talked about the current status of electric aviation in the Nordics. She represents the NEA project, a project that seeks to accelerate the development of electric aviation in the Nordic region. “But how is it going? Are we ready to take-off,” asked Cecilia Sjöberg, while highlighting the Swedish Prime Minister’s test flight of an electric airplane this Summer.
Good food, good discussions (both "panels" were high quality), good people, fun music. Nordic cooperation is becoming increasingly important. One got the distinct impression that we have a very good foundation for continued work.
- Guest at Nordic Innovation's anniversary celebration
We cannot discuss the future without including artificial intelligence. A term, which was still strange to many just a few years ago. Cecilia Sjöberg opened up the topic by highlighting the actuality of artificial intelligence: “AI, hottest of all, and currently on everyone’s lips," she said and continued "and right now it seems like all the countries of the world are fighting to take the lead”. Helga Brögger from The Nordic Ethical AI and Expert Group continued on this track and talked about the Nordics’ position and opportunities in the AI-race.
Cathrine Barth from Natural State and Sean Barrett from Interesting Times Gang were also a part of the panel.
Leading up to the panel discussion, a conversation about Nordic Innovation’s history and development took place between Ivar Horneland Kristensen, Managing Director of Nordic Innovation from 2008-2012, Susanne Ringdal, Advisor from 1995-2003, and Rasmus Malmborg, current Advisor at Nordic Innovation.
Wanted to show our gratitude to NI for their support throughout the years, and have the opportunity to meet with people.
- Guest at Nordic Innovation's anniversary celebration
Marked an end to an eventful anniversary year
The anniversary celebration was the last piece of the 50-years anniversary puzzle – a puzzle based on two main components: a past and a future. We had a goal to make our history visible and to create an organizational memory. We have looked into annual reports and magazines from the past and we have visited national archives to understand our own history and development.
The research has been fruitful, and the final result is the coffee table book: ‘Innovation in the Nordics. 1973-2023’. The book presents and visualizes 50 years of cross Nordic innovation history by highlighting what Nordic Innovation has achieved as an organization, while at the same time concretizing the value of Nordic collaboration. However, it is also, not least, a tribute to all the partners we have worked with over the years.
Read more about our history here
If you have not received the book, you are more than welcome to pass by our office and get your copy.
How do you think the Nordics look like in 2073?
As a part of Nordic Innovation's 50 years anniversary, we have created the survey "Envisioning the Future", with questions about the future of the Nordics in 2073.
What do you think about the future? Share your thoughts here
Thanks to everyone who took part in our anniversary celebration!
