NES & AES 2025: Shaping Norway’s Digital Future through Esports Innovation and Global Collaboration

The Norwegian Esports Summit & Academic Esports Seminar (NES & AES) 2025 offers a pioneering approach to harnessing esports for digital and educational transformation. Over five days, this dual event combines focused national policy development with extensive international academic exchange, establishing Norway as a global leader in sustainable, inclusive esports innovation. The Norwegian Esports Summit (NES) gathers key national stakeholders—educators, policymakers, technology experts, youth and community leaders—to collaboratively develop actionable strategies in education, health, local innovation, and community-driven esports programs. Intensive working groups and targeted panels with policymakers ensure robust engagement, resulting in comprehensive policy recommendations and frameworks to guide Norway’s digital future. The Academic Esports Seminar (AES) builds on this national foundation, inviting renowned international scholars and industry leaders to present cutting-edge research and insights through innovative formats such as Ignite Talks. Sessions explore themes such as digital transformation, future work environments, educational innovation, and sustainable digital practices. Confirmed participants include prestigious institutions from Europe, North America, and Australia, ensuring a rich exchange of global perspectives. This sequence culminates with the launch of the International Research Center for Academic Esports and Game Technologies, institutionalizing ongoing interdisciplinary research and innovation. Focus areas include transferable digital skills, game development, media arts, health, education, and business in esports. The outcomes and insights generated will significantly influence national policy directions and global academic discourses, solidifying Norway’s position at the forefront of digital society development through esports.