Innovation Hub

The Innovation Hub is at the heart of our ambition to ensure that AI development and adoption in Midt-Norge is not only technologically sound, but also socially responsible, human-centered, and aligned with regional values.

While AI offers powerful opportunities for transforming industries, its successful adoption depends just as much on people’s trust and understanding as on the technology itself. That is why the Innovation Hub focuses on engaging directly with individuals inside businesses, decision-makers, employees, and stakeholders—to better understand their perspectives, expectations, and concerns about AI.
A core part of our work is identifying how people perceive the risks and opportunities of AI in their specific work contexts. Some concerns may arise from uncertainty or lack of information and can be addressed through communication and tools. Others may point to deeper, structural or cultural challenges that require careful adaptation—or even the development of distinctly Norwegian approaches to applying AI in business settings.

To support this, the Innovation Hub runs a series of key activities:
 

1. AI Adoption Barometer: An annual survey tracks how companies in the region are engaging with AI—including current usage, readiness, barriers, and future plans. This provides a foundation for understanding broader trends and shifts in perception over time.

2. Workshops and Co-creation: We host yearly workshops that bring together researchers, students, and industry participants to share findings, discuss best practices, and co-develop solutions tailored to local needs.

3. AI Adoption Toolbox: Companies participating in the project gain access to practical resources designed to support AI uptake, including tools for assessing readiness, capturing business value, and implementing AI in a way that fits their operations and culture.

4.Student Involvement: By involving students in research and workshops, the Innovation Hub also serves as a platform for learning and recruitment, helping to prepare the next generation of AI-savvy professionals for local industries.

Ultimately, the Innovation Hub is about more than implementing technology—it’s about building trust, understanding, and collaboration. By listening carefully to the voices within businesses and taking their concerns seriously, we aim to shape an AI transformation that is not only innovative, but also inclusive, sustainable, and locally grounded.