The national meeting of NITO points the way for the role of engineers in society

The three political commentators Sivert Bjørnstad, Jette Christensen and Magnus Takvam shared their analyses of the political situation with the national convention. With so many parties, it is difficult to navigate – but at the same time, it provides a wealth of opportunities for both the business community and the organizations in Norway.  

Jette Christensen pointed out that NITO is known as a calm interlocutor, and Magnus Takvam pointed out areas where there is a great deal of agreement across the blocs: competence, continuing and further education, reducing sickness absence.  

"These are cases where everyone is looking for good answers, where there are good opportunities to set the agenda, preferably in collaboration with others," says Kjetil Lein.  

Labour market researcher Sissel Trygstad talked about how the Nordic model is a problem solver, but at the same time technological changes are leading to new challenges for the labour market, where increasing digitalisation means higher skills requirements – but also opportunities for more surveillance.  

There is a need for continuous competence development and follow-up of control measures with a view to monitoring employees. She gave the AGM something to think about: Only three out of ten union representatives answer that they have sufficient expertise to enter into discussions about the use of new technology in the workplace.

Norway is facing three major challenges: investment in industry, defence and health, all of which are important for our members' expertise to be important for Norway to succeed. EEA and EU cooperation is of great importance to Norwegian jobs and industry.  

Major General Lars Huse from the Norwegian Armed Forces emphasized that increased activity in our immediate areas creates instability, requires more cooperation, requires national preparedness and a strong total defense.  

Lars Huse said that those who wear uniforms must define what problem is to be solved and what effect is desired, while the experts and professional communities – i.e. others than the Armed Forces themselves – must explain how the problem can be solved most effectively.  

Sunniva Tofte from Kongsberg Group talked about five global drivers, of which: one in five is technology. Defence and security come into play in all areas. To think that you are fully readjusted is not possible.  
 
Europe is increasing its combat power, and that this is of great importance to the KONGSBERG Group as an industry, and she stressed the importance of close cooperation between defence, research and industry in order to meet rapid technological and security policy changes.  

Technology and expertise are absolutely crucial to the company's mission, and Kongsberggruppen is the company where NITO has the most members in the private sector.  

"It underlines the importance of NITO's members in the development and delivery of technology for the defence and security sector," says Lein. 

State Secretary Karl Kristian Bekeng emphasised that technologists and engineers are absolutely crucial for hospitals and the health service to function. NITO is closely involved in the reform work that the Ministry of Health has invited us to participate in.  

Director of NHO Geneo Karita Bekkemellem was clear that the tripartite collaboration is a unique competitive advantage Norway has, and is the answer to many of the challenges we see in the health sector.  

"NITO can bring new perspectives into health technology and the health industries. Bekkemellem believes that our health data is our gold, and I think we should take that with us in the future," says Lein.