Country summary
Norway made marginal gains in the rankings, up three points to 33rd, as more difficult access to investment offset improved conditions for starting and growing businesses for good and selling to government. Equal pay for women in leadership positions jumped 20 spots to 11th place.
Expert view
"Norwegian welfare state is that it is very comprehensive and the need for alternative solutions has not been great until recently. We have to use innovative ways of addressing those needs. Many social workers however do not see this as a positive development because they fail to distinguish between welfare for profit and social entrepreneurs."