NHO

Næringslivets Hovedorganisasjon (NHO), commonly referred to by its acronym, is the Norwegian Confederation of Enterprise, the umbrella organization and primary representative body for private sector employers in Norway. It serves as a national voice for businesses across industries, from manufacturing and commerce to services and technology, and functions as a policy network and advocate in public affairs.

Membership consists of individual companies and sector-specific employer associations, collectively representing a large portion of private-sector activity in Norway. The organization provides a range of services to members, including guidance on human resources, legal and regulatory matters, market and productivity research, data and statistics, and professional training. NHO also offers support in collective bargaining and labor relations, coordinating with employers during wage negotiations within Norway’s private sector framework and engaging with government and unions on matters affecting the labor market.

NHO is headquartered in Oslo and maintains regional offices across the country. It plays a central role in Norway’s labor market governance, operating within the tripartite system alongside the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) and the state as a policy stakeholder. The organization focuses on policies that affect competitiveness, taxation, regulation, energy and climate policy, education and skills development, and innovation and international trade. NHO also participates in international business forums and cooperates with European and global employer networks to advance Norwegian interests abroad. Leadership typically includes a president or director-general and an elected board, with strategic direction set through member-driven priorities.