Bedrift

Bedrift is a Norwegian term that refers to a business enterprise or undertaking. In everyday use it denotes an organized economic activity that produces goods or services, typically with the aim of earning profit. A bedrift can vary greatly in size and form, from a sole proprietor operating under an individual name to a large multinational corporation. The term itself is generic rather than tied to a specific legal structure.

Etymology: The word derives from the verb bedrive, meaning to undertake or carry out an activity. In Norwegian usage, bedrift emphasizes organization, activity and purpose rather than ownership alone.

Legal and administrative context: In Norway, a bedrift may be established under various legal forms, such as enkeltpersonforetak (ENK) for sole traders or aksjeselskap (AS) for limited liability companies. Partnerships exist as ansvarlig selskap (ANS/DA). Most formal bedrifter must be registered with the Brønnøysundregistrene, and their reporting obligations depend on the chosen legal form. The concept also encompasses not-for-profit ventures that still function as organized economic units, though the term is most often applied to profit-driven enterprises.

Economic role: Bedrifter are the primary units of economic activity, providing goods and services, employing workers, and contributing to economic growth. They compete in markets, innovate, and respond to regulation, consumer demand, and technological change.

Usage: The term is widely used in business discourse and public policy. It appears in phrases such as bedriftskultur (corporate culture), bedriftsrådgivning (business consulting), and bedriftsetablering (business startup).