DNB, Posten and Jotun named Norway’s Most Innovative Companies – E24

Innovation Magazine recently launched its annual selection of Norway’s 25 Most Innovative Companies, the eighth in a row.

– We think this is by far Norway’s most comprehensive overview of who is truly innovative, in contrast to those who are just content to talk about innovation, says Innovation magazine editor and jury leader Truls Berg, in a press release.

– The list only deals with Norwegian companies, but common to all on the list is that they are world class when it comes to actively working with innovation, he says.

Victory for DNB

At the top are DNB, Posten and Jotun. From second place last year, Norway’s largest bank DNB claimed victory in this year’s selection.

– Of course, winning is great fun and we are proud and honored by the award. Second place last year was fun, but it’s even more fun to reach the top this year, says Yngvar Ugland, director of New Tech Lab at DNB.

– What is special about DNB, and what I think the jury has noticed, is that we own the innovation up to the top management, he says.

The main bank is behind innovations like Vipps and Blunk facial recognition technology.

– Our breakthrough was with Vipps, we have also built a culture of innovation in the organization for a long time. Innovation with us is everything from things that may become important in the future, to systematically experimenting with our products, such as what customers like in online banking, says Ugland.

Overcome

DNB snatched the top spot from Norway Post in this year’s selection.

– DNB is good, and we have sent our congratulations. It also shines from silver and we are highly motivated to keep pushing ourselves, says press director Kenneth Tjønndal Pettersen in Posten.

Tjønndal Pettersen says he is satisfied with second place.

– This is an important recognition of the innovation work we do. Innovation has always been important to Norway Post, and we are honored and proud that Norway Post, which is 373 years old, is on the innovation podium for the second year in a row at this award, he says.

Among other things, Norway Post is behind innovations such as the amoi.no home delivery service, parcel boxes for parcel delivery in Greater Oslo and during the crown close in March, Norway Post launched a concept for the Coop grocery home delivery.

In the last 20 years, Norway Post has changed more than the first 350 and in the last two years more than the previous 20. Development is happening at an increasingly rapid pace, says Tjønndal Pettersen.

– A nice confirmation

From a seventh place last year, the Jotun paint company climbed to a third place in this year’s selection.

– Jotun has invested significant resources in innovation since its inception in 1926, and has made sure that we stand out from the competition and never compromise on quality. In recent years, there are probably two areas in particular that stand out. Within decorative paints, we have made great strides in the premium segment and strengthened our position as an international color pioneer, says communications director Christian Espolin Johnson in Jotun.

– It’s okay with this type of care, it’s a good confirmation that our innovation work is noticeable, he says.

Espolin Johnson, in particular, cites the paints and Drygolin Nordic as examples of Jotun’s innovation in recent years.

– Lady Pure Color has made matte walls something “everyone” should have, and increased sales and profitability for our distributors. Drygolin Nordic Extreme has also set a new standard for exterior paints in the harsh climate we live in, he says.

The Jotun Group also turns a large part of its business into services.

– This year we have launched the Jotun HullSkater, which is a robot that washes ship hulls and keeps them clean from growth and ensures that fuel consumption and CO emissions are kept as low as possible. The innovation points to the future of Jotun and we will see further development of products and services that go beyond just paint, says Espolin Johnson.