Navigating grand challenges – the challenge of transforming the petroleum sector in Norway

James Karlsen

Chapter 11 in Sustainable Regional Restructuring, 2025, pp 163-178 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter explores the complexities of addressing grand challenges within Norway's petroleum sector. Utilising concepts such as grand challenges, wicked problems, innovation, and agency, it analyses how Norway navigates between substantive and procedural policy actions in balancing economic growth through petroleum production with environmental sustainability. Despite efforts like investments in renewable energy and ambitious climate targets, alongside stricter regulations and economic incentives, Norway maintains significant fossil fuel production. This reflects a prioritisation of economic interests over fully meeting the Paris Agreement goals, highlighting an interplay between change and reproductive agency. The electrification of oil and gas installations reduces CO2 emissions but simultaneously prolongs the petroleum sector, introducing new environmental and social challenges, including conflicts with indigenous Sámi communities. Norway's struggle exemplifies the need for transformative change and a shift towards sustainable industries to effectively address grand challenges and wicked problems posed by climate change.

Keywords: Innovation Policy; Grand Challenges; Wicked Problems; Petroleum Production; Environmental Sustainability; Norway (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035330782
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