Back in 2022, Innovasjon Norge set out to find a new HR system. Their starting point was familiar to many public sector organisations: too many manual processes, disconnected systems, and not enough insight to support strategic planning.
Photo: Innovasjon Norge
– We didn’t have a full-scale HR system. We used a finance-based system for registering employees, but there was no single platform for competence development, performance reviews or training management. That really held us back, says Christina Sundheim, Senior HR Adviser and project lead for the implementation.
Processes were time-consuming and inefficient, with little automation and limited opportunities to work strategically with skills and workforce planning.
– Our goal was to bring everything together, improve our data foundation, and become more proactive in how we support employees. We envisioned a solution that would not only streamline our processes, but also give us the insight needed to make strategic decisions before challenges arise, Sundheim explains.
After a thorough procurement process, CatalystOne was chosen. Sundheim highlights the system’s balance of functionality and flexibility as a key success factor:
– We wanted a solid, standardised solution – but one that could still be adapted to our needs. Think of it as flexible off-the-shelf software. CatalystOne struck that balance perfectly. From day one, we’ve felt that they understand us – both as an organisation and as part of the public sector, where transparency, security and accountability are essential.
Innovasjon Norge is a state-owned organisation with around 750 employees across its Oslo headquarters, regional offices throughout Norway, and 26 international locations. A clear ambition was to simplify and standardise HR processes across geographies – while freeing up time for both HR and managers.
– We wanted our processes to be accessible through intuitive workflows, giving managers and employees a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate. It’s also critical for us to extract data that enables more proactive planning around staffing and competence, says Sundheim.
Following a pre-study and market survey in 2022, Innovasjon Norge issued a formal tender. CatalystOne came out on top. Once the implementation phase began, things moved quickly – the system was up and running in less than six months. From initial needs mapping to go-live, the entire project was completed in just two years.
– We’ve already completed two rounds of performance reviews in the system, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s easy to use, and we feel like the platform guides our managers every step of the way – providing structure and a real sense of support.
With employees in 25 countries, Innovasjon Norge operates within a complex global structure. The distance between Stavanger and Seoul may be great, but that makes user-friendliness and process consistency all the more important.
– We get great feedback from managers around the world who find the system intuitive and easy to follow – whether they’re based in Oslo or Tokyo. That makes a huge difference. For us, it’s essential that our solutions work just as well abroad as they do at home, Sundheim explains.
Today, Innovasjon Norge uses a wide range of CatalystOne modules, including:
HR Master Data
Performance Reviews
LMS for learning and training
CV Module (recently launched)
Competence Module (currently in development)
The system is also integrated with Entra ID, Agresso, Documaster and Webcruiter.
– A big advantage is that we’ve been able to evolve alongside CatalystOne. We’ve activated new features along the way and even taken part in pre-release testing. That aligns perfectly with our own approach to innovation and development, Sundheim adds.
Training, CVs, competencies, performance reviews – everything is now available in one single system, accessible to all employees. It creates structure, builds confidence, and enables true data-driven planning. Not just in HR, but across the entire organisation.
One of the biggest success factors in the project has been the collaboration with CatalystOne’s team. Sundheim especially highlights Project Manager Nora Birkelund and Customer Success Manager Hanne Cecilie Nygaard.
– We’ve had the same project manager throughout – even now, as we work on the Competence Module. That continuity builds trust. Another advantage of working with CatalystOne is that they’re not too big. They move fast and follow up closely.
Internal engagement was also crucial.
– At one point, we had 25 people from across the organisation involved in procurement and implementation. We succeeded in involving HR, leadership and employees – and we’re proud of that. Now that the system is live, fewer people are working on it day-to-day, and CatalystOne continues to be a valuable sparring partner, she says.
Sundheim doesn’t shy away from the fact that the project has been demanding – but also highly rewarding.
– This has been one of the most enjoyable projects I’ve worked on. The value is clear, the feedback is great – and it feels meaningful to contribute to making our organisation more efficient and data-driven in how we manage HR, she concludes.
Innovasjon Norge is the Norwegian government’s key instrument for driving value-creating business development across the entire country. Their mission is to foster innovation in the business sector, support sustainable growth and exports, and promote development in both urban and rural areas.
Innovasjon Norge provides services within financing, advisory, skills development, networking and international promotion. On a day-to-day basis, the organisation runs a wide range of initiatives, programmes, activities and events – all aimed at strengthening Norwegian business.
Funded through annual allocations from the national budget, Innovasjon Norge is tasked with unlocking innovation and value creation in Norwegian industry. The organisation is owned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries together with Norway’s regional authorities.
The owners have defined a shared goal structure that applies across all areas of Innovasjon Norge’s mandate.
Purpose
To serve as the national and regional government's tool for achieving sustainable, value-creating business development throughout Norway.
Primary goal
To trigger business and socio-economic growth, and unlock regional potential for enterprise development.
Three strategic objectives
More successful entrepreneurs, more high-growth companies, and more innovative business environments.
More than 200 Nordic organisations manage HR using CatalystOne’s HR software.
“"For our staff, absence management has been one of the biggest changes. The system is intuitive and delivers a much better user experience. We often hear things like: “Wow, that was easy.” It’s also become easier to follow up on sick leave."”
– Hanne Rammen, HR Advisor, Kristiania
