Over 400 participants from all over the Nordic region gathered in Oslo on May 7-8, 2026 for the first GS1 Nordic Summit. The packed conference offered two days of inspiration, networking and concrete perspectives on the future of trade, digitization and collaboration.
Behind the initiative are the Nordic GS1 organizations, which together have created a new meeting place for leaders, experts and decision-makers across industry and national borders. Interest in stronger Nordic cooperation on standards, data and traceability has increased in recent years, which was clearly visible during the conference.
Strong support from the business community
With the theme Navigating Trade in a New World Order, the focus was on how global standards, technology and data sharing can create value for both business and society.
The program included presentations and discussions from several leading Nordic and international companies, including IKEA, H&M, ICA, NorgesGruppen, Bang & Olufsen, PepsiCo and NCC. The speakers shared experiences on 2D codes, digital product passports and data sharing in practice.
To ensure high relevance across different sectors, the conference was structured around three tracks where, within each track, many current topics were discussed, including
Retail: How QR codes and GS1 standards can support transparency, traceability and sustainability in retail.
Construction: How digitalization and standardization can accelerate the green transition in the construction industry.
Retail: How digital product passports and circular business models can create new opportunities in areas such as textiles and electronics.
A clear need for Nordic cooperation
The GS1 Nordic Summit was much more than just a conference. Participants, speakers and partners together created a vibrant arena for dialog, networking and experience sharing. The combination of strategic perspectives, concrete cases and networking opportunities was highlighted as one of the great strengths of the conference.
One message was clear throughout the conference: businesses across industries and countries face many similar challenges and the solutions require common standards, accurate data and, not least, collaboration.
GS1 Nordic Summit continues
Thanks to the great interest in the conference, the GS1 Nordic Summit will continue to create an arena for the exchange of experiences. In September, it is time for GS1 Nordic Summit 2027, this time in Helsinki.