Second Trans-Atlantic Networking Conference on

1. Innovation and internationalization in Norwegian industry- some challenges and opportunities as seen from a regional Innovation Norway office’s perspective Second Trans-Atlantic Networking Conference on "Innovation, Technology Transfer and New Venture Creation" Georgetown University, Washington D.C. December 2, 2004 Ole Johan Sandvaer Director Innovation Norway, Buskerud and Vestfold

2. A comprehensive innovation policy • In the autumn of 2003, the Norwegian government presented an innovation action plan. • The government’s vision: • ”Norway shall become one of the world’s most innovative countries where companies and individuals with initiative and creativity are given good opportunities to develop profitable businesses. • Norway shall be in front internationally in important industries with regard to knowledge, technology and value creation.”

3. Innovation Norway • ”Innovation Norway’s objective is to promote private- and socio-economic profitable business development throughout the country and to release the commercial opportunities of the districts and regions by encouraging innovation, internationalisation and profile-building.” • ”We give local ideas • global opportunities”

4. One contact point – where businesses are • 15 regional offices in Norway and presence in 34 countries

5. Innovation Norway – our close partners • The Ministries •The Norwegian Embassies •Regional Authorities •Local Authorities •The Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry (NHO) •The Research Council of Norway •SIVA •The Norwegian Design Council •The bank sector and financial institutions •Others…..

6. One of our challenges... R&D spending in Norway is low – especially in companies R&D spending in % of GDP 1991 - 2001 R&D spending in % of GDP 2001 Govt. Companies

7. Technology sectors’ contribution to trade balance as share of industrial trade in some selected OECD-countries Negative contribution to trade balance Positive contribution to trade balance Japan Switzerland USA Germany Ireland UK France Sweden Austria Netherlands Denmark Canada Finland Norway Iceland -25% -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25% High/tech industries (4% or more of total turnover to R&D) Medium-low-tech industries (1% to 2.5% of total turnover to R&D) Medium-high-tech industries (2.5% to 4% of total turnover to R&D) Low-tech industries (Less than 1% of total turnover to R&D) Source: OECD, STAN database, May 2001

8. The regional dimension Oil & Gas Focus on utilizing the strengths of each region to create internationally competive business environments Marine Commercialization of Research Maritime & Marine Forestry/wood industry & Agriculture Oil & Gas Maritime, Oil & Gas, ICT, Electronics, Micro-Electronics, Services

9. Buskerud, Telemark and Vestfold (”BTV” region) • Industries • Electronics, micro-electronics • Maritime components & IT • Process industry • Energy/Environment • Stone • Food • Oil • Aluminium • Tourism • Agriculture

10. The regional BTV-cooperation • A trial project - 1 Jan. 2004 to 31 Dec. 2007 • Approved by Ministry of Local Government Dec. 2003 • Cooperation since 1992 on political and administrative levels • Regional cooperation provides opportunities for • improved business and industry growth • establishing new businesses and increasing employment • improving administration efficiency • procurement and investments • common aims and overlying strategies for priority areas

11. 630,000 inhabitants 60,000 firms High export ratio Clusters Buskerud Kongsberg Telemark Horten Grenland Vestfold The BTV region • Kongsberg • Horten • Grenland Oslo

12. Clusters in the BTV region Kongsberg(Buskerud County) - Strong international orientation - Strong innovation drive and ability - Close business cooperation - New products and companies as result - Research Council of Norway and FFI vital in the shaping of today’s knowledge-based industry in Kongsberg

13. Clusters in the BTV region • Grenland (Telemark County) • Heavy industries with long industrial traditions • Focus on environment and industrial competence Close cooperation between the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and the techno-industrial research environments in the area. RCN has contributed considerably to the development of new businesses and to the development of the traditional process industries.

14. SINTEF NTNU UiO NDRE IFE Clusters in the BTV region • Horten (Vestfold County) • IT/Electronics/ • micro-electronics • Internationally strong; • High-tech • Ownerships • Markets • Considerable future potentials

15. Innovation companies & networks in the BTV region Contribute to product development and establishing new businesses Participants: - Industry - Regional and national authorities/org. - R&D environments Kongsberg Innovasjon MicroTech Innovation (MIT) Electronic Coast Telemark Gassforum

16. Internationalisation of SMEs • A focus sector in the BTV cooperation • A focus sector in Innovation Norway ”SME-I 2005” Small and medium-sized companies with potential and international growth ambitions • Establishing 4 networks of 8 companies each • Considering folllowing potential areas: • District • Maritime industry • Food industry • Technology industry

17. ”SME-I 2005” in the BTV • Two projects: • Technology/Product • Internationalisation • Support: • Technology ”mentor” • Internationalisation ”mentor” Phase 1 Recruitment Phase 2 Company status analysis Step 1 Market plan Phase 3 Intl. market project Product/Technology project Gatherings Phase 4 Market introduction and commercialisation Step 2

18. ”SME-I 2005” in the BTV Phase 1 Recruitment Phase 2 Company status analysis Step 1 Market plan Phase 3 Intl. market project Product/Technology project Gatherings Phase 4 Market introduction and commercialisation Step 2 Springboard America

19. ”We give local ideas global opportunities Thank you!