"As a leading provider of digital technologies such as 5G, fiber infrastructure, IoT solutions, artificial intelligence, data center services, and cybersecurity, we see how these technologies fundamentally transform both our customers' businesses and our own organization," says Frank Elter, Director of Telenor Research & Innovation (R&I), about the motives for partnering with DIG.
Telenor has had a long-term collaboration with NHH since the 1990s and has been actively involved in NHH's research programs since 2012, aimed at understanding the consequences of new technology for both our business operations and organization, he continues.
Telenor is convinced of the value of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of academia, business, and the public sector. This type of collaboration provides invaluable insights into how technologies can be best utilized to create value for society, business, and end-users, states Frank Elter as good reasons for collaborating with DIG.
"In today's complex digital landscape, interdisciplinary research is essential to understand the full implications of technological development – both business-wise, organizationally, and socially. DIG has established a unique arena for co-creation and knowledge development in this borderland. This makes DIG a natural partner for Telenor," says the director of Telenor Research.
The collaboration with DIG is anchored in Telenor R&I, which consists of 30 employees with doctoral education. The department works closely and integrated with professors from NHH on specific research projects and regularly publishes scientific articles together. Telenor also facilitates case studies in its business for both doctoral candidates and master's students. The research and innovation department, on its part, provides supervisory competence, emphasizes Frank Elter.
"Telenor is also an active contributor to DIG's annual top management meeting, DIG-summit. Through this collaboration, we convey important knowledge to the industry, and at the same time, we reach out to students – something that is crucial for our future recruitment of top talents in economics and technology."
Telenor actively collaborates with DIG to develop a forward-looking research agenda for artificial intelligence. The research and innovation department has a dedicated research group specializing in AI and machine learning. In partnership with DIG, we explore the business and societal implications of AI technology, he continues.
Telenor uses AI in several strategic areas, particularly in customer experiences and optimization of the 5G network. The launch of the "AI-factory" is particularly important here. This is an AI factory that offers advanced computing power for training and developing AI models. "Here, Norwegian businesses have the opportunity to develop and apply AI solutions in a secure manner, on Norwegian soil and within the framework of Norwegian legislation. This initiative is especially important for building digital competitiveness in Norway while safeguarding privacy and data security in line with Norwegian and European regulations," says Frank Elter.
The demographic development with an aging population represents both a societal challenge and a business opportunity for Telenor. Within a few years, over 20% of Norway's population will be over 65 years old – a significant customer group with unique needs for digital solutions.
"Telenor therefore values DIG's research initiative on the 'silver economy.' It helps us understand the specific needs in this growing market segment and how digital solutions can help solve some of the welfare society's biggest challenges in the coming years," concludes Frank Elter, Director of Telenor Research.
