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Eurydice

EACEA National Policies Platform:Eurydice
Political, social and economic background and trends

Norway

1.Political, social and economic background and trends

Last update: 27 November 2023
  • The Norwegian education system is based on traditions and common values. Human knowledge is the most important recourse in our society. There is a strong political support for the goals of education – to give children and youth an opportunity to general education, personal development, knowledge and skills.
  • To secure equal access to and equal opportunities to complete education are important values in Norway. Enhanced human capital and skills increase productivity and have hence direct economic effects through more valuable labour inputs, but are also desirable outcomes of education and are as such beneficial to individuals and society at large. Basic skills are important for enabling people to function well in their everyday lives and to secure their labour market participation. Education encourages democratic participation, cultural development and individuals’ self-esteem and identity. We need more knowledge and skills; both for addressing the increasingly complicated challenges in society and in order to evolve as human beings and for personal fulfilment.