A new global survey of more than 1,700 senior executives reveals that industrial AI is advancing faster than expected.

The Norwegian Maintenance Association (Norsk Förening for Vedlikehold, NFV) plays an increasingly vital role in promoting best practices, competence development, and strategic thinking across Norway’s maintenance sector. With almost 200 corporate and individual members, the association focuses on advancing the perception of maintenance as a value-generating activity, rather than a cost centre.

The EFNMS Thesis Award* is one of the most prestigious recognitions for emerging talent in the European maintenance and asset management community. Last year’s winners, Aleksanteri Hämäläinen and Camilla Munther, earned the honor for research that combines technical depth with real-world impact. In this Q&A, they share what sparked their work, how their findings can be applied on the ground — and where they see themselves and industry heading next.

By Michael Hanf, sustainable business strategist and lead author of the Future of Sustainability 2025 study, published by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.