Simplifying the probate process: Christian Fischer Paulsen on the role of digitalisation
At Public Sector Solutions 2025, a number of experts will share their experiences and insights on how we can improve the public sector through innovation and digitalisation. One of this year’s speakers is Christian Fischer Paulsen, a passionate advocate for making the bereavement process simpler and more accessible. His personal experience of bureaucratic challenges following a death has led him to work actively on solutions that can ease the burden on the bereaved.
Interview with Christian Fischer Paulsen
Could you tell us about your background and what inspired you to work on the digitalisation of services for bereaved families?
When my father passed away in 2019, I realised just how complicated and time-consuming the process following a death can be. What should have been a simple and straightforward process turned out to be both cumbersome and outdated.
This gave me a strong motivation to find better solutions for the bereaved. Originally, my plan was to set up my own company with the aim of helping relatives through this difficult time. Through my father’s network of contacts, I had the opportunity to speak to Jens Nørve at the Norwegian Digitalisation Agency, and it quickly became clear just how complex this work was. With several thousand public and private organisations involved, extensive collaboration and changes were needed to simplify access to important information following a death. This realisation strengthened my determination to work on the digitalisation of services for the bereaved – not only to streamline the process, but also to make a difficult time a little easier for those left behind.
At ‘Solutions for the Public Sector’, stakeholders from across the public sector come together to discuss innovation and effective solutions. What changes do you think are needed to make public services more accessible and user-friendly for bereaved families?
Today, Norway already has all the necessary information about the deceased stored in various systems. Nevertheless, the bereaved find themselves in a situation where they have to locate and gather critical information themselves – ranging from tax, property and banking matters to loans, vehicles, pensions and other financial obligations.
To make public services more accessible and user-friendly for bereaved families, we need to bring all relevant data together in one place. This requires extensive cooperation between different public agencies, so that bereaved families can have a comprehensive, digital platform that simplifies the process. At a time when simply getting through the day can be a huge burden, we must ensure that the systems work for people – not the other way round.
Digitalisation is playing an increasingly important role in the public sector. How do you envisage technology helping to streamline and improve the process for bereaved families by 2025?
During 2025, technology may simplify the process for bereaved families by automating the collection of information and creating a single digital platform. This will reduce the need for bereaved families to find and manage information from various organisations themselves.
Artificial intelligence can provide guidance and personalised recommendations based on each individual’s circumstances, whilst digital signing and self-service simplify document management. The aim is a flexible, user-friendly solution that allows bereaved families to focus on what really matters.
What are you most looking forward to at Public Sector Solutions 2025, and why do you think a forum like this is important for the further development of the public sector?
I am looking forward to taking part in Solutions for the Public Sector 2025 because it offers a unique opportunity to share ideas, experiences and solutions that can help drive the public sector forward, particularly in terms of digitalisation and efficiency improvements.
It is exciting to see how technological innovations can improve public services, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by bereaved families. A forum such as this is important because it gives stakeholders from different sectors the opportunity to collaborate across boundaries and find joint solutions to complex challenges. It is through collaboration and the exchange of experiences that we can create sustainable and user-friendly solutions that truly meet the needs of our citizens.
What message would you like to convey to the decision-makers and professionals attending the conference, and what specific steps can they take to improve services for bereaved families?
My message to decision-makers and professionals is that we must view the bereavement process as a whole and recognise how important it is to make this process simpler and more accessible. Those who have lost a loved one are in a vulnerable situation, and bureaucratic obstacles should not be something they have to deal with on their own.
Specific steps they can take include promoting cooperation between public agencies to centralise information in one place, investing in digital solutions that can automate and streamline processes, and prioritising user-friendliness in the design of these services. We must ensure that the technology is not only innovative, but also takes into account the needs and circumstances of those who require assistance.
Meet Christian Fischer Paulsen at Public Sector Solutions 2025
Would you like to find out more about how digitalisation can simplify the process for bereaved families? Meet Christian Fischer Paulsen and other leading experts at Public Sector Solutions 2025, the leading forum for innovation and development in the public sector.
📅 Date: 7–8 May 2025
📍 Venue: NOVA Spektrum, Lillestrøm
