Date: Thursday, June 18

Time: 2.45 – 3.30 pm

Language: English

Elisabeth Austad Asser – Director at Sparebanken Norge and Associate Professor at the University of Agder, where she also holds a PhD in artificial intelligence and ethics. She has nearly 20 years of experience leading technology, marketing, and communications functions in major Norwegian companies including Gjensidige, Color Line, and Sparebanken Norge, and has played a key role in large-scale digital transformation initiatives.

With a background spanning strategy, digitalization, and sustainability, she focuses on how institutions can navigate rapid technological change while safeguarding trust, democratic values, and long-term sustainability.

She is a recognized voice in the public conversation on artificial intelligence and ethics, and the author of the bestselling book “Teknologiens makt” (2025), highlighted as an important contribution to the discussion on artificial intelligence. Her work explores fundamental questions of power, responsibility, and the role of technology in shaping society.

Elisabeth frequently contributes to public debate through articles and lectures, where she challenges dominant narratives around efficiency and progress. She brings a unique perspective on how organizations can move from a narrow focus on output to a broader understanding of outcomes and their real impact on people and society.

Her experience includes building strong in-house digital teams and capabilities, enabling organizations to take greater ownership of technology, data, and customer interfaces. She also serves as a board member of Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise (SSHF).

As a keynote speaker, Elisabeth combines analytical clarity with engaging storytelling, offering fresh perspectives on technology, values, and what truly constitutes progress in an age of accelerating change.