The allure of the north
Page date: Published 13 Mar 2023; updated 21 Sep 2026. 5 min read.
The article says international technology talent is drawn to professional challenge and global impact, as well as Norway’s nature, environmental reputation, social benefits, schools and less hierarchical work culture. It cites Cognite, reMarkable and Kahoot! as Norwegian brands with international reach. Cognite CEO John Lervik says compensation and share-based incentives also matter, and that the company employed people from more than 60 countries at the time of reporting.
The article describes Cognite as founded in 2016 and working on industrial technology including robotics, 3D, cloud data operations and analytics. It argues Norway can combine software skills with expertise in manufacturing, energy and fisheries. ICT Norway representative Fredrik Syversen says professional challenge and meaningful impact are the primary draw for international talent.
For newcomers, it lists Oslopolitan and the Oslo International Welcome Center, which offers relocation support, advice, mentoring, networking and community events. It includes three pieces of advice attributed to Lervik: give employees room to innovate, hire strong colleagues and communicate a clear purpose. Company headcount and other hiring details are publication-era information, not current figures.
Related link: Technology; Invest in Norway contact.