Presented by Digitalisation for the Public Sector

About the prize

Digitalisation for the Public Sector presents the ‘Public Sector Innovation of the Year’ award. The award recognises innovative solutions in the public sector that contribute to development, efficiency and greater social benefit.

The public sector is evolving rapidly – driven by the need for smarter solutions, better services and greater value for society. With the ‘Public Sector Innovation of the Year’ award, we aim to recognise those courageous organisations that dare to think outside the box, challenge established structures and bring about real improvements for citizens and staff.

The award recognises solutions that not only improve efficiency, but also strengthen trust in the public sector and contribute to more sustainable and forward-looking social development.

Nominations are now closed!

Winner of the 2026 Innovation of the Year Award for the Public Sector: Vestfold Hospital

The jury’s reasoning

Vestfold Hospital Trust and Mette Camilla Moen are being awarded the prize for an innovative solution that has, in a practical and scalable way, transformed how specialist psychiatric services can be organised and delivered. By establishing a digital outpatient clinic, they have achieved clear and measurable results in the form of increased capacity, shorter waiting times and improved access to healthcare services for patients. The solution has been successfully implemented, is based on genuine patient needs and has great potential for further development and for inspiring the entire health and social care sector.

Our 2026 finalists

Vestfold Hospital

Mette Camilla Moen and Vestfold Hospital have been nominated for their work in establishing a digital outpatient clinic at DPS Vestfold within the field of mental health. The initiative helps UNN to meet statutory deadlines and ensure that patients receive treatment. The digital outpatient clinic has so far treated over 200 patients digitally, with excellent results. As head of department, Mette Camilla Moen has been a driving force behind the project, which uses video consultations and digital collaboration to increase capacity, reduce waiting times and improve access to specialist expertise across regions. The project represents a new way of organising healthcare services and strengthens collaboration between healthcare providers.

The AI4Interviews innovation project within the Norwegian police force

The police have been nominated for their work on AI4Interviews and Jodapro, innovative solutions that utilise artificial intelligence and new technology to streamline documentation and investigations in police work. AI4Interviews makes it possible to automate the transcription of interviews using speech-to-text technology. The solution reduces the time spent on manual tasks and frees up resources for operational police work, whilst also contributing to more accurate and efficient documentation in investigative processes. Jodapro is taking this a step further by combining a smart, voice-controlled head-mounted camera, artificial intelligence and automated documentation to support the police in their work at crime scenes and in operational situations. The solution can help to speed up reporting, improve the quality of documentation and ensure a more efficient flow of information during investigations. Taken together, these solutions represent an important step in the modernisation of police work processes and demonstrate how new technology can contribute to more efficient, secure and forward-looking public services.

Harstad Kommune

Harstad Municipality and Stian Antonsen have been nominated for their work in modernising the municipality’s digital infrastructure through the implementation of advanced security and networking solutions based on Fortinet. The initiative has contributed to significant improvements in efficiency, service quality and security within the municipality. Under the leadership and on the initiative of Stian Antonsen, Harstad Municipality has implemented a comprehensive security and networking platform based on Fortinet technology. The solution represents a new and more integrated approach to managing network security, operations and availability within the local authority. By consolidating several security functions into a single platform, the local authority has achieved greater control, a higher level of security and more efficient operation of its IT services. This work clearly demonstrates innovative thinking on how the public sector can modernise and strengthen its digital infrastructure.

Sarpsborg Kommune

The nomination highlights the work of Sarpsborg Municipality and Inger Elisabeth Sælid in utilising technology to ensure safer and more efficient medication management – whilst freeing up valuable nursing expertise in a healthcare service under increasing pressure. The solution is a fine example of how e-health can contribute to improved quality, reduced risk and more time for patient-centred care.

Entries are assessed according to five criteria

1. Innovation

The solution represents something new – in terms of technology, service development, organisation or work processes – and clearly demonstrates innovative thinking.

2. Documented effectiveness

The solution delivers measurable results, such as improved quality, a better user experience, more efficient use of resources or reduced costs.

3. User focus

Developed on the basis of the actual needs of residents, patients, staff or the business community.

4. Implementation

The solution has been implemented and is well established within the organisation.

5. Future potential

Can be further developed, scaled up or serve as inspiration for other parts of the public sector.