Ole-Martin Martinsen

Policy Director | AI Governance, Digitalization & Emerging Technologies | Norwegian MFA

Oslo, Oslo, Norway

About

I lead Norway’s work at the intersection of foreign policy, artificial intelligence, and digital governance. As Policy Director for Digitalization and Emerging Technologies at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I shape national and international strategies for AI governance, digital diplomacy, and responsible technology development. My mission is to ensure that emerging technologies reinforce democracy, security, and global inclusion rather than undermine them. I translate complex technological trends into actionable foreign policy, drive collaborative processes across governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society. My portfolio includes work on the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, Global Digital Compact, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), WSIS+20, cross‑border data governance, secure digital infrastructure, and multistakeholder frameworks. I operate from a simple principle that technology should protect and empower people and strengthen societies. Through diplomacy, governance frameworks, and international cooperation, I work to ensure that Norway contributes to a safe, open, and inclusive digital future., If you work on AI governance, digital diplomacy, or global technology policy, I would be happy to connect.

Experience

  • Policy Director – Digitalization & Emerging Technologies at The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    Feb 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 5 mos

    Leading Norway's foreign policy approach to digital transformation and emerging technologies. Lead MFA's strategic work on AI governance, quantum technology policy, digital cooperation, and global tech diplomacy Represent Norway in key international processes: Global Digital Compact, Global Dialogue on AI Governance, IGF, WSIS+20, and multilateral digital governance initiatives Contribute to cross-ministerial quantum strategy development alongside KD, NFD, FD, JD, and DFD Advise political leadership on technology geopolitics, digital infrastructure, data governance, and multistakeholder frameworks Coordinate whole-of-government efforts to integrate emerging technologies into diplomacy and foreign policy Build and lead high-performing expert teams delivering complex analyses, policy development, and international negotiations

  • Utenriksdepartementet (9 yrs 9 mos)
    • Policy Director – Digital Transformation
      Jun 2020 - Nov 2022 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Directed MFA’s overarching digital transformation agenda, including modernization of systems, data use and strategic technology adoption. Strengthened internal processes and capabilities related to innovation, analytics, and digital governance.

    • Policy Director - Data and Analytics
      Oct 2016 - Jun 2020 · 3 yrs 9 mos

      Established MFA’s data and analytics function, enabling evidence‑based decision‑making and new analytical capabilities. Drove initiatives using data to support foreign policy, crisis response, and strategic planning.

    • Assistant Director General - Innovation, processes and projects
      Mar 2013 - Oct 2016 · 3 yrs 8 mos

      Led modernization initiatives across the ministry, including process redesign, digital tools, and organizational innovation. Responsible for major cross‑departmental development projects.

  • Chief Information Officer at Veterinærinstituttet
    2001 - Feb 2013 · 12 yrs 2 mos

    Directed all IT operations, digital infrastructure, and cyber readiness for a national research and public health institution. Modernized the institute’s digital ecosystem and strengthened operational resilience.

  • Head of Administration and innovation at SafetyCable
    2000 - 2001 · 1 yr

  • Information Technology Supervisor at Oslo universitetssykehus
    Jan 1999 - Jan 2000 · 1 yr 1 mo