“Seed grain schemes”. “Risk relief”. “Pipeline for green projects”. “Risk loan scheme”. These are some of the words the authorities themselves use to describe money that is taken from the state budget and given to companies that want to build battery factories. This is actually called subsidies. The government’s financial support for battery factories was the topic of the news Debate tonight. Linguist Helene Uri says it is important for democracy that people understand the words politicians use. Researcher: Comical, but also serious Language researcher Helene Uri is critical of the authorities’ use of words such as “sowing scheme” and “pipeline for green projects”. – Yes, this is comical. But it is actually serious too, says Uri to news. She believes it is very important to have clear and comprehensible language when the state gives away the community’s money. – The politicians, they are elected by us. They manage our money. Then we have to understand what they are talking about. The words the authorities themselves when they have to talk about subsidies instrument instrument actor purpose-driven assignment qualification system qualification framework pressure seed and seed schemes risk relief innovation-promoting measures competence measures transformation funds sustainable value creation innovation height innovation chain pipeline for green projects knowledge externality project classification referral logic pilot/demo measures cross-sectoral cooperation investment support cluster development R&D grants facilitation funds internationalization support environment technology support capital access The authorities have used the words above when talking about subsidies. They are taken from, among other things, reports and websites of the authorities. Handing out billions to battery factories So far there has not been a single kroner to be made from batteries made in Norway. At the same time, the government is handing out billions to battery factories. The hope is that the companies will be able to make money from this in the future, and that a new battery industry can be developed. The government believes it is right to provide subsidies to facilitate environmentally friendly industry in a “green industry boost”. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has previously called it a “community responsibility to facilitate the green shift”. Linguist Helene Uri believes that the words used must be clear anyway. – When politicians talk in such a way that we do not understand them, it is serious. Published 31.10.2024, at 21.01 Updated 31.10.2024, at 22.12
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