Changing oil: self-driving vehicles and the Norwegian state

This article analyzes the politics of self-driving vehicles in Norway, using sociotechnical imaginaries as a theoretical framework. It examines interviews and documents to reveal how Norwegian policy and legislation frame self-driving vehicles primarily in terms of economic gains and transport sector improvements. The Borealis project, a transport innovation project, operationalizes these policies by focusing on Norwegian use cases, such as benefiting the fishing industry, influencing EU standardization, and fostering a Norwegian high-tech industry. The prospect of a high-tech industry is linked to the 'green shift', a national narrative of transitioning away from a petroleum-based economy while maintaining affluence and social welfare. Self-driving vehicles are thus presented as both a transport innovation and a key component of this national narrative.

Bård Torvetjønn Haugland