Local Data Matters: Interview with Per Olav Ramstad, Managing Director at Norstat Norway

What makes Norstat Norway unique

Speed and scale are Norstat’s hallmark: the team can recruit a nationally representative sample of 1,000 respondents in record time and deliver 500 completes in just 20 minutes. “When it comes to complex or niche audiences, we almost never have to say we can’t help you find that target group.”

Yet for Per Olav, Norstat’s greatest strength is its data quality. “As a former research buyer, I’m almost embarrassed at how little I checked the quality of the data and the quality of the panel the data was collected from. Real and true knowledge, understanding, and insight can only come from correct data. No consultant’s analysis can rescue results built on flawed inputs.” Norstat’s rigorous respondent recruitment, engaging surveys, and extensive data validation ensure that quality is industry-leading.

Culture and values

Norstat has earned its reputation through trustworthy data and an approachable team spirit. “Our skilled project managers are fun and easy to work with, and they bring genuine local knowledge to every project,” Per Olav explains. Clients benefit from that deep market understanding, while the wider Norstat network means “we can call on expertise in 14 other European offices whenever a project needs access to additional markets.”

The future of market research

“I think it remains to be seen how AI will affect the industry in the long term; however, I am confident that gathering real data from real people will never go out of fashion. Often there’s simply no substitute for asking someone what they think or remember,” he reflects.

Norstat is investing in AI to streamline processes, improve data quality, and even help create surveys: an innovation already available through Norstat Express. Yet we view AI as an assistant, not a replacement for expert judgment: “When it comes to market research, a human in the loop, someone who understands context and provides oversight, remains essential,” says Per Olav.

A favourite project?

“In previous jobs, I spent too much time extracting data and building slides, especially when it came to understanding the development of brands over time,” Per Olav admits. “I knew there could be a better, more efficient process. At Norstat, we have built it.” His ideal project is a live brand tracker, visualised in Norstat Dashboards, which frees clients to focus on insights instead of graph-making. He also enjoys supporting market-research agencies: “MRAs’ demands for high-quality data delivered fast match Norstat’s core strengths, and we really enjoy that kind of work.”

Why Norstat

“Data quality and speed. Once clients experience it, they stay with us! Our talented people are friendly as well as capable, which helps us run projects efficiently and effectively,” Per Olav concludes.

Whether you need broad national samples or narrow B2B segments, Norstat Norway supplies data to trust, for decisions that matter.

Learn more about Norstat Norway