An appropriate approach in this area can provide a competitive advantage and bolster confidence and growth in electronic commerce. Information technology will generate new products, new production processes and new forms of organization. Business competitiveness will depend on human skills, extensive adaptability and the will to use new technology. The development of technology, particularly IT, creates a new environment for business activity and influences all business segments. The economic threshold for using communication solutions is now substantially lower.
Developments are similar in many countries and advancing at a rapid pace.
The Government will pursue an active and coherent policy for electronic commerce in order to strengthen the international competitiveness of Norwegian business and industry, increase the efficiency of society as a whole and create new business opportunities. At the same time, emphasis shall be placed on fundamental values and social aspects, while adverse consequences shall be countered. Where the Government intervens, the process shall be fully transparent and undertaken in dialogue with the parties concerned. Regulations shall be neutral in relation to technology and not restricted to specific technological solutions. Electronic commerce is still at an early stage of development, but changes are expected to occur rapidly.