Ripple effects for the future : study of lasting value creation for the case of North Norway

Abstract

Current studies as well as popular opinion have shown ripple effects from oil and gas projects in North Norway to be inadequate. Questions about how to amend these shortcomings have been heavily discussed both in governmental circles, as well as popular media. Furthermore, opinions about methods to create permanent ripple effects have been expressed. The US has implemented various pieces of legislation to amend similar problems, and this thesis gathers and analyzes the ripple effects and their potential sustainability that these legislation examples have promoted. Furthermore, North Norwegian stakeholders were interviewed to gain their perspective on what ripple effects are desired in North Norway. In the discussion, the analysis results of US ripple effects were compared to analysis outcome of ripple effects that are desired by North Norwegian stakeholders, to see whether similar policies may or may not be implemented in North Norway as an attempt to achieve similar results. The study then proceeds with a discussion over who is responsible for creating, obtaining, and even maintaining these effects in North Norway. Based on the results, the researchers recommend that similar policies are implemented in Norway, with shared responsibility among government, stakeholders and petroleum companies, to achieve a balance of effects that is desired by all stakeholders involved in further sustainable development of North Norway.