In a compelling New Year’s discussion, key figures in Norway’s economic landscape gathered for an incisive dialogue at the invitation of Ole Asbjørn Ness. The panel featured chief economist Jan Ludvig Andreassen from the Eika group, asset manager Eirik Furuseth of Finansco, and property developer Baard Schumann. Together, they engaged in a thorough exploration of pressing issues facing the nation, including the economy, the housing market, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.
The conversation opened with a stark examination of construction costs in Norway, which have skyrocketed by nearly 300% over the past 15 years. The panelists addressed the alarming collapse of housing construction and the troubling trend of young individuals increasingly being excluded from the housing market. Their discussion raised critical questions about whether Norway is inadvertently creating an environment that stifles entrepreneurship and technological innovation.
Artificial intelligence emerged as a focal point, heralded as a potential productivity revolution akin to the advent of the internet and electricity. Yet, the panelists expressed concern that Norway may find itself on the sidelines of this significant development. Why, they pondered, are few ambitious tech startups emerging from Norway? What factors are driving capital and expertise to more fertile ground?
Looking ahead to 2026, the conversation shifted toward market predictions and broader economic landscape. They discussed optimism surrounding equity markets, persistent geopolitical challenges, the risk of plummeting oil prices, inflated valuations of AI companies, and the continuing influence of the United States on the global economy.
This extended, candid dialogue touched on crucial themes such as productivity, regulatory impact, class disparities, and the essential steps needed for Norway to avoid being left behind in an evolving technological era.
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