- The creation of synergies is important to the implementation of the industry White Paper. We can choose to look ahead into the future and see problems and challenges, or we can choose to see opportunities. Norway has an impressive industrial heritage of over 100 years. Industry contributes to commercial development and welfare in the whole country but the landscape is changing, says the Prime Minister Erna Solberg during the launch of the Industry White Paper at Yara’s technology center at Herøya.

- More business focus

- We are moving towards a re-industrialization. At the same time, we have to consider the Climate-challenge and have to think in a greener way. Similarly, we need more businesses that deliver value and jobs. We have the conditions in place that are needed to be an industrial nation in over 100 years to come. And we have the conditions to create.

This is the first White Paper on Industry since 1981. A lot has happened since then but like then, the technological progress is at the core of developments. Especially the digitization and increased automation is gaining pace throughout society.

-Participation

- Vi ønsker også å utvikle Innovasjon Norge-prosjektet Invest in Norway for å gjøre Norge til et mer attraktivt land å investere i.

I tillegg melder hun om at det må bli et enda tettere bånd mellom høyskoler, universitet og fagskoler og industrien for å utvikle kunnskapen i takt med fremtidens industri. 

-Norway has to be part of that transition into the digital age. This is important for the economy, for the environment and for future employment opportunities, says Monica Mæland, the Norwegian Minister for Trade and Commerce. She used the opportunity to introduce a discount to banks lending to SME`s to reduce associated risks. 99% of businesses in Norway fall into this category. By supporting these businesses innovation efforts, the minister hopes to accelerate the transformation process.

-We want to develop “Invest in Norway” into a platform to make Norway more attractive for foreign investment.
In addition, the Minister highlighted the need for closer collaboration between High-Schools, University and Vocational training together with Industry.

Success for Prosess21

Project leader and CEO of the Eyde- Cluster Helene Fladmark, who was present during the launch event, was quite satisfied with the White Paper.

I am very happy. We can see our main goals. “Process 21” is important because it will structure the collaboration between industry and public authorities in the projected transition towards a profitable carbon free industry, as outlined in the Process Industry Roadmap.

In addition, the government will support industry owned piloting centers through the “Catapult program”, says Fladmark.

Trust and collaboration

The White Paper highlights the opportunities and challenges related to new technology, robotization and the underlying green transition.

-Norwegian businesses have a good foundation to meet this changing landscape well prepared.
We have a strong industrial culture based on trust inclusion and collaboration. We have strong centres of expertise within industry and research and we have a high level of competence in our workforce. Through this White Paper, the Norwegian Government prepare the ground for Norway to remain a leading technology and industry nation, says Mæland.

Funds for Research centres

As the country is made up of many SME´s it is sensible to facilitate for cluster collaboration where research centres can grow organically through the cooperation between companies.

-Vi have dedicated 50 mio NOK for the industries “skunk works”, says Mæland. These “skunk works” are research centres where companies join forces to develop new technology or applications in industry. Mæland, emphasises the importance of the good cluster organizations to facilitate this.
-We support the clusters because we see them as an important contributor in this development.

Read the White Paper here:

On the picture: Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H), Project leader in PROSIN and CEO at Eyde-Cluster, Helene Falch Fladmark, Minister of Trade and Commerce Monica Mæland (H) and CEO of GCE Node, Anne Grete Ellingsen.