KICK-OFF TRANSACT AI Bodø

Nord University Business School was pleased to host the kick-off seminar on January 27, 2026, in Bodø, marking the launch of the research project Transformative Capabilities of the Accounting Profession Facing Artificial Intelligence (TRANSACT AI), funded by Research Council of Norway.

The project aims to empower small and medium-sized accounting and auditing practices (AASMPs) in Norway to adopt and leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technologies effectively. It addresses key challenges these firms face—such as limited resources, expertise, and access to advanced technologies—which often hinder their ability to compete with larger players.

The primary goal of TRANSACT AI is to build the competencies needed within AASMPs to effectively utilize AI, thereby improving service quality, efficiency, and competitiveness. The project will explore how AI can be integrated into accounting and auditing processes to enhance accuracy, deliver advanced analytics, and address AI-related ethical risks. To achieve this, the project will support the establishment and operation of an AI innovation lab for AASMPs, providing a sandbox for AI solutions and assisting firms in developing innovative services. In close collaboration with project partners, the initiative will also refine and develop new learning platforms, courses, and training programs focused on the competent integration of AI within AASMPs.

TRANSACT AI is carried out by a dedicated team of researchers from Nord University Business School (HHN), in collaboration with the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and industry partners including The Norwegian Institute of Public Accountants (Revisorforeningen), Accounting Norway (Regnskap Norge), and Økonomiforbundet.

  • 12:00–14:00 Opening

    Welcome by Vice-Dean for Research, Terje Mathiassen

    Nord University – Presentation of the TRANSACT AI Project Design

    • Professor Anatoli Bourmistrov (Project Leader)
      Background, structure and logic of the work packages (WPs), and partners
    • Associate Professor Oliver Henk
      WP2: Theoretical Development, Modelling, and AI Toolkits
    • Professor Bjørn Willy Åmo
      WP3: AI as Innovation for AASMP Services in the Private and Public Sector
    • Associate Professor Brynjar Gilberg
      WP4: AI-Related Skill Development
    • Professor Giuseppe Grossi
      WP5: Knowledge Integration and Dissemination
    • Q&A

    14:00–14:30 Coffee Break

    Presentation from the TRANSACT AI Partners

    16:00
    End of programme

Learn more about the project:

Research project TRANSACT AI (nord.no)