Sustainable economic growth andreduction of poverty require a suitable framework of goodgovernance. A register solution that works efficiently andoffers reliable business information is an essential part ofsuch a framework. To ensure efficiency and simplification inbusiness start-ups, a well-functioning register solution hasseveral beneficial effects. It encourages entrepreneurship,improves access to loans, generates more jobs, makes iteasier to comply with rules, and reduces administrativeburdens, thus increasing productivity. In a broaderperspective, this helps attract investors, boost the economyin general, and reduce poverty. Implementation of goodgovernance has revealed a general need to enhancetransparency and integrity standards in publicadministrations and private entities. Availability ofofficial, high-quality business information is crucial inthis context. By granting the legal identity of a business,most register solutions go a step further. In doing so, theyincrease the predictability of economic interaction andprovide contractual partners with core protection againstabuse. This also reduces the costs of resolving disputes andleads to greater judicial fairness because of fastercontract enforcement. Moreover, improved transparencycontributes to more effective tracing of financial crime andtherefore constitutes a means to prevent and discouragefinancial crime in general. In the Norwegian registersolution, the aim of enhancing transparency is stronglyinterlinked with the objective of using public businessinformation efficiently and reducing reporting obligationsfor businesses. Information sharing is an important buildingblock in this strategy. This case study describes howreforms aimed at simplifying and streamlining businessregistration were implemented in Norway. It is based on deskresearch and interviews.
PDF
download
878987797
028-85220240
