You cannot know where you are going unless you first know where you are and where you have been. The same could be said of business management in industry and commerce.

Learning the lessons of the past and applying them to the future is essential to progressive management wishing to maintain its company at the forefront of international business. Adaptability to change is vital, too, in a world of shifting market trends and rapid technological development.

But though change is continuous, the injection of fresh ideas and new thinking is an essential response to each new challenge as it arises. In this special millennium issue of DNV FORUM, we have invited leading executives to forecast what the new century has in store for their respective industries, and what initiatives they are taking to meet the challenges ahead. In the industries that DNV itself serves, I can foresee continuing demands as they contemplate potential shortages of natural resources such as fuels and metals, or as they face environmental and climate change.

In our experience, companies are looking for reliable, consistent services around the world. They trust DNV to provide the same levels of service, independence and expertise wherever they operate. Furnishing that service and know-how depends on our having the right employees and the most advanced technology - two aspects of our business on which we place the greatest emphasis.

As we enter the new millennium, there is no doubt in my mind that, in our business, having a truly global strategy is vital - in terms of people, services, technology and infrastructure.

Through applying new technology, expanding our business activities and developing in line with market demands, DNV is well-placed to serve clients worldwide in this new era of opportunity.

Tore Høifødt, Senior vice president