Videoconferencing in Norwegian industry and commerce: Increased use, less travel?

This report examines the use of videoconferencing in Norwegian industry and commerce, and the possible impacts of videoconferencing on business travel. Data were collected via a postal survey among financial directors in 563 enterprises. During recent years, use of videoconferencing has increased. This trend is expected to continue. Results show positive attitudes towards videoconferencing. However, videoconferencing has so far only to a minor degree substituted business travel. Results indicate that about 40 percent of videoconferencing users have managed to substitute some travel, but only approximately 10 percent have experienced substantial replacement. In some situations videoconferencing can also generate travel, reducing the net substitution effect. Yet, generation of travel due to videoconferencing is far less than substitution. Substitution effects are somewhat stronger now than five years ago. Most likely this is due to the depression in the economy.