The Norwegian Innovation Index (NII) was established in 2016 by researchers from NHH (Norwegian School of Economics) and DIG (Digital Innovation for Sustainable Growth). This index is the world's first to evaluate innovative companies based on feedback from their customers. While traditional methods often rely on economic data and expert opinions to assess innovation, NII gives priority to what truly matters – customers' perceptions.

Rather than relying on numbers that impact the entire economy, NII focuses on what real customers think. This is crucial because customers are the ones who financially support businesses by purchasing their products and services. The research team at NHH has introduced a fresh approach to evaluating innovation. They not only consider what companies claim they are doing but also what customers believe about how businesses create value through innovation.

This approach is so unique that it has been adopted in several other countries including Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Spain, Australia, and the USA. In each of these countries, a prominent business school and research team collaborate. They also work with consultancy firms to assist businesses in implementing the NII method. Together, we are known as The Innovation Index Coalition (IIC).

NII consists of three indexes: a commercial innovation index that examines innovations in what businesses offer in the market, a social innovation index that assesses sustainability and how businesses impact their communities (whether they are good neighbors), and a digital innovation index that looks at customer front-end automation. All of this is evaluated from the customers' perspective.

NII also addresses important topics such as innovation and sustainability, how businesses can adapt to an aging population, and the intelligent use of technology to better serve customers.