A conversation with Birger Steen

The Long Peace is over, and we are now living in an era defined by geopolitical tension, new technologies, and blurred lines between war and peace. What does this mean for the technology industry, for leadership, and for Norway’s role in a world where technology and security are deeply intertwined?

In this talk, Birger Steen shares reflections from 30 years in international business across the U.S., Russia, Germany, Lithuania, Sweden, France, and Norway. He offers an honest and thought-provoking perspective on how we must lead and prioritize differently in 2025, and why the public and private sectors must find common ground again.

After the talk, Forskningsparken’s CEO, Bjørn Erik Reinseth, will continue the conversation with questions and invite the audience to join an open dialogue.

Topics:

• The Long Peace is over – what does that mean for today’s leaders?

• Cold War II: new actors, new domains, new technologies

• How economy, technology, and defense are more closely connected than they have been in decades

• How to address dilemmas without fear

Birger Steen is the CEO of NORSAR, a world-leading seismological research institute based at Kjeller, Norway. He holds a master’s degree in finance from INSEAD and computer science from NTH. He has held executive and board positions at Microsoft, Schibsted, Scandinavia Online, McKinsey, Parallels, Nordea, Nordic Semiconductor, Freyr, Pagero, and other growth companies in technology and finance across the world.