Norway’s One Digital Public Sector strategy (2019–2025)

The One Digital Public Sector strategy (2019–2025) is Norway’s national framework for modernising the public sector through digital transformation. It aims to deliver more efficient, user-centric services by fostering collaboration across governmental levels and sectors. Below is a detailed overview:

Purpose and vision

The strategy seeks to simplify everyday life for citizens, businesses, and the voluntary sector through seamless digital services. It emphasises improved efficiency in government operations, smarter use of public resources, and greater value creation in society.

Core goals for 2025

1. Digitalisation that is transparent, inclusive, and trustworthy.
2. Seamless digital services that handle user needs across agencies.
3. Universal digital communication with the public sector for those able.
4. Effective data sharing for service improvement and business innovation.
5. A unified digital ecosystem guiding all public sector digital services.
6. Systematic realisation of digitalisation benefits across levels of government.

Key focus areas

1. Seamless services and user-centric focus

Users should perceive the public sector as one unified digital entity. Services must be accessible, frictionless, and based on life events rather than administrative divisions. Public agencies are encouraged to coordinate their platforms to avoid fragmented user experiences.

2. Data sharing and value creation

The strategy mandates greater reuse of public data, including open data, to boost innovation. A national resource center is planned to help agencies understand how to share data responsibly. Measures include potential obligations to publish data and explore the use of data lakes.

3. Digitalisation-friendly regulations

Legal frameworks must enable automation and data-driven processes while protecting rights. Norway will revise regulations to eliminate barriers and promote clarity and consistency across agencies.

4. Common digital ecosystem

Seven key national components form the backbone of this ecosystem (e.g., Altinn, ID-porten, National Registers). The aim is to prevent redundant infrastructure and foster interoperability through shared architectures, standards, and coordination mechanisms.

5. Governance and coordination

A coherent governance model is essential to drive cross-sector digital projects. The OECD and Norway’s Auditor General have previously urged stronger central oversight to ensure consistent service development and benefit realization.

6. Private Sector Cooperation

Government agencies are encouraged to engage private and nonprofit sectors for innovation. Public procurement—especially innovation partnerships—is viewed as a tool to stimulate both better services and market development.

7. Digital competence

Agencies face major competence gaps in digital skills. The government will create a dedicated strategy for digital skills development, including retraining and lifelong learning, to future-proof public administration.

8. Cybersecurity

The strategy incorporates Norway’s National Cyber Security Strategy, focusing on secure digitalisation. It outlines risk-based governance, monitoring improvements, and sector-wide readiness for cyber threats through joint initiatives and better coordination between national agencies.

9. Economic and administrative impact

The strategy aims to achieve resource savings and administrative efficiency through collaboration, streamlined services, and shared digital infrastructure. Costs will be covered under existing ministry budgets, with long-term integration into regular planning processes.