Oslo Business Forum 2025
The Big Shift in Public Sector
Welcome to the Public Sector Discussions at OBF 2025! We’re excited to offer a track specifically for public sector leaders. This exclusive program will equip you with the tools and strategies to lead with courage and innovation in today’s complex environment.
Join us in Room "Kveine" on the 2nd floor during Networking Breaks for interactive sessions. Engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and walk away with actionable strategies.
No pre-registration is required—just come ready to connect and learn.
Please note: The sessions will be held in Norwegian, and neither be streamed or recorded.
All sessions are facilitated by Tale Skjølsvik, Bjørn Erik Mørk & Johnny Advocaat.
Join us in Room "Kveine" on the 2nd floor during Networking Breaks for interactive sessions. Engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and walk away with actionable strategies.
No pre-registration is required—just come ready to connect and learn.
Please note: The sessions will be held in Norwegian, and neither be streamed or recorded.
All sessions are facilitated by Tale Skjølsvik, Bjørn Erik Mørk & Johnny Advocaat.
Day 1, 24 September
When Leadership Ambitions Meet Political Pressure
Time: 13:40-14:20
On Stage:
- Moderator: Bjørn Erik Mørk, BI Norwegian Business School
- Tale Skjølsvik, OsloMet
- Hans Christian Holte, NAV
- Kristin Skogen Lund, INSEAD
Session Overview:
Political leadership has the potential to drive meaningful transformation, but it can also hinder progress. The short-term focus of election cycles often clashes with the long-term nature of creating public value. When policymaking meets populist resistance, the pace of reform can slow, and motivation may wane. The key question is whether public sector leadership can navigate these tensions and serve as a constructive force for forward-looking change.
Key questions:
Political leadership has the potential to drive meaningful transformation, but it can also hinder progress. The short-term focus of election cycles often clashes with the long-term nature of creating public value. When policymaking meets populist resistance, the pace of reform can slow, and motivation may wane. The key question is whether public sector leadership can navigate these tensions and serve as a constructive force for forward-looking change.
Key questions:
- How can political leadership drive — or block — ambitious public-sector change
- What happens when long-term policy goals clash with short-term public sentiment?
- Which leadership practices help leaders create meaningful change in politically sensitive contexts?
Day 2, 25 September
Session Overview:
The public missions often operate on different timelines than election cycles, leaving leaders balancing short-term political demands with the need for long-term reform. The challenge lies in managing this tension while continuing to make progress - by developing clear principles for change and organisational practices that can adapt in step with society, these challenges can be overcome.
Key questions:
From Ambition to Action—Uncover Opportunities, and Build a Public Sector Fit for the Future
Time: 09:00-09:40
On Stage:
- Moderator: Ingrid Mørk, The Norwegian Agency for Public and Financial Management (DFØ)
- Liv Rossow Oftedal, DIPS & former leader in Oslo Municipality
- Tom Rådahl, Ministry of Climate and Environment
Session Overview:
The public missions often operate on different timelines than election cycles, leaving leaders balancing short-term political demands with the need for long-term reform. The challenge lies in managing this tension while continuing to make progress - by developing clear principles for change and organisational practices that can adapt in step with society, these challenges can be overcome.
Key questions:
-
How can leaders balance public missions with the realities of election cycles?
-
Which principles can spark meaningful change in the public sector?
-
How can institutions be designed to adapt at the speed of society?
