From DIG to Leadership: Helge Thorbjørnsen's Path to NHH Rector
In August 2025, Helge Thorbjørnsen will assume the role of rector at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), bringing valuable insights gained from his work at DIG to his new position.
Thorbjørnsen describes himself as not being a traditional “siv.øk” from NHH. Instead, he has an undergraduate degree in social economics and comparative politics. Nevertheless, his background at NHH is extensive.
“I am a 49-year-old professor of consumer psychology, and I have my PhD, or more precisely dr.oecon, from NHH. I am very curious about how humans think and act, which has led me to research everything from AI and technology adoption to consumer behaviour, decision-making, and happiness.”
Additionally, Thorbjørnsen also has an entrepreneurial mindset. During his career, he has co-founded several businesses, ranging from performing arts to media technology.
Learnings from DIG
His time at NHH has especially been marked by his time working at DIG. Thorbjørnsen shares that he greatly enjoyed his time at the research centre and gained significant insights from working with his fellow researchers. He also highlights how DIG merged several previous research centres at NHH, such as CSI, STOP, and RACE.
“This broadened the scope and disciplinary focus of the research. I think this is fruitful and necessary when trying to understand complex phenomena such as digitalization and sustainability,” he explains.
As Thorbjørnsen steps into his new role as rector, he intends to carry forward the ideas and research cultivated at DIG, such as digitalization, sustainability and human adoption of technology. After all, these topics are, and will continue to be, key to NHH’s strategy, according to the incoming rector.
Shaping NHH's strategic future
DIG is expected to remain a pivotal part of NHH's strategy in the coming years. Thorbjørnsen especially hopes that the research centre will get additional funding for conducting research on AI.
“The research agenda of DIG fits perfectly with the strategy and research priorities of NHH. If we get additional external funding for conducting research on AI, this will further fuel cooperation with other research centres of NHH as well, including FAIR and the Norwegian Centre for Taxation.”
He also believes that DIG topics and research will be central, when developing new courses at NHH. This also includes executive programs.
Looking ahead, Thorbjørnsen envisions NHH playing a critical role in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by technology and sustainability.
“As new challenges and opportunities arise within the realm of technology and sustainability, NHH should play a key role in understanding, solving and realizing these.”