The Norwegian Cooperation Model as a Framework for Innovation in an Industrial Company

Abstract

Based on a case study in a major Norwegian industrial company, this article explores the role of skilled workers in innovation. The framework for this case is the Norwegian cooperation model of established cooperation at the company level between managers and employees and their representatives. This form of cooperation, together with broad participation from all levels of employees, has proven to be important for innovation work, and this case explores why and how.

The article is based on data material that was also used in Hilsen and colleagues (2022). The case study is based on 6 first-time interviews in spring 2020, and 5 second-time interviews in spring 2021 with managers, union leaders, operators and apprentices, a total of 11 interviews. The interviews lasted approximately 45 – 60 minutes each. The taped interviews were transcribed, and it is this material that forms the basis for our analyses.

Through the systematic involvement of all levels of the company, two examples of process innovation were developed. Through the interviews, it became clear that this form of participation in improvement work and innovation rests on three conditions: that there is a structure for improvement work with meeting places and working methods, that the company has developed a culture for innovation with trust between the parties and open communication, and that both formal and informal cooperation on development has been established.