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annual 52• 2009/2010
oslo- powered by nature
www.norway.info
“Norway – the official site” provides extensive
background information on Norway, as well as news and
details of Norwegian-related events abroad. The large
number of articles on politics, travel, culture, business,
education, research and history are presented by the
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its partners.
“Norway – the official site” has been established in 90
countries and in 18 languages.
Innovation Norway promotes nationwide industrial
development profitable to both the business economy
and Norway’s national economy, and helps realize the
potential of different districts and regions by contributing
to innovation, internationalization and promotion.
The company has approximately 700 employees.
Headquartered in Oslo, Innovation Norway has offices in
over 30 countries worldwide, along with all of the counties
across Norway.
English-language information about Innovation Norway is
available at www.innovationnorway.no/english.
At www.nortrade.com you will find up-to-date information on
more than 4,000 Norwegian manufacturers and exporters within
35 different industries. There you will find a search tool which
allows you to perform searches for companies, products or
services in the Norwegian Export Directory.
The Official Norwegian Trade Portal
find new business partners in norway
Produced in cooperation with:
For more information: www.oslo.teknopol.no
mexicoMexico D.F. – EmbassyAvenida Virreyes 1460; Col Lomas Virreyes, 11000 Mexico D.F.Tel (+52 55) 5540 3486/87, Fax: (+52 55) 5202 3019E-mail: [email protected]
moroccoRabat – Embassy9, rue de Khenifra, RabatTel: (+212) (0)537764084-6, Fax: +212 3 7764088E-mail: [email protected]
mozambiqueMaputo – EmbassyAve. Julius Nyerere 1162, MaputoTel: + 258 21 480 100/+ 258 21 485 072 to 75Fax: +258 21 480 107/+ 258 21 485 076E-mail: [email protected]
nepalKatmandu – EmbassySurya Court, Pulchowk, LalitpurTel: +977 1 5545307-8, Fax: +977 1 5545226E-mail: [email protected] phone: + 977 98510 23681
the netherlandsThe Hague – Embassy/Innovation NorwayLange Vijverberg 11, NL-2513 AC The HagueTel: +31 70 311 7611, Fax: +31 70 365 9630IN, Tel: +31 70 346 7348; Fax: +31 70 360 7428E-mail: [email protected]
nicaraguaManagua – EmbassyPlaza España, 100 mtr. al Oeste, ManaguaTel: +505 2 665197-9, Fax: +505 2 663303E-mail: [email protected]
nigeriaAbuja – EmbassyPlot 1529, T.Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro, AbujaTel: +234 9 3149127, Tel. satellite: +882 165 420 7489/+882 165 420 7515, Fax: +234 9 3149309E-mail: [email protected]
pakistanIslamabad – EmbassyH 25, Str. 19, F 6/2, IslamabadTel: +92 51 227 9720-23, Fax: +92 51 227 9729E-mail: [email protected]
palestinian territoryAl Ram – Representative Office to the Palestinian authorities (West Bank/Gaza)World Bank Building (c/o Rosary Sisters Convent)Dahiat Al-Bareed, Al Ram, West BankTel: 02-2345050, Fax: 02-2345079Emergency after office hours: +972 (0) 545 653 202 E-mail: [email protected]
philippinesManila – EmbassyPetron Mega Plaza Bldg., 21st floor358 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro ManilaTel: +63 2 886 3245-49, Fax: +63 2 886 3384Emergency ONLY: +63 917-537-6061E-mail: [email protected]
polandWarsaw – Embassyul. Fr. Chopina 2A, PL-00-559 WarsawTel: + 48 22 696 4030, Fax: +48 22 628 0938E-mail: [email protected]
Warsaw – Innovation Norwayc/o Royal Norwegian EmbassyWarta Tower, ul. Chmielna 85/87PL-00-805 Warsaw Tel: +48 22 581 0 581, Fax: +48 22 581 0 981 E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/polen
portugalLisbon – Embassy/Innovation NorwayAvenida D. Vasco da Gama 1, P-1400-127 LisbonTel: +3512 1301 5344, Fax: +3512 1301 6158E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.invnovasjonnorge.no/portugal
romaniaBucharest – Embassy/ Innovation NorwayStrada Dumbrava Rosie 4; 020463 BucharestTel: +40 21 2121 22 023/028, Fax: +40 21 21 22 038E-mail: [email protected] Website: [email protected]
russiaMoscow – Embassy/Innovation NorwayUlitsa Povarskaya 7, RUS-131940 MoscowTel: +74 95 933 1410, Fax: +74 95 933 14 11/12E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/russland
Murmansk – Consulate General/ Innovation NorwayUlitsa Sofji Perovskoj 5, RUS-183038 MurmanskTel: +7 815 2 400 600Fax: +7 815 2 457 451/+7 815 2 456 871E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/russland
St. Petersburg – Consulate GeneralNevsky Prospekt 25, RUS-191186 St. PetersburgTel: + 7 812 336 64 20, Fax: + 7 812 336 64 21E-mail: [email protected]
St.Petersburg – Innovation NorwayKaluzhskij per.3, RUS-193015 St. Petersburg Tel: +7812 326 9037, Fax: +7812 326 9038 E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/russland
saudi arabiaRiyadh – EmbassyDiplomatic Quarter, RiyadhTel: +966 1 488 1904, Fax: +966 1 488 0854Emergency cases only outside opening hours:+966 5 505 49379E-mail: [email protected]
serbia Beograd – EmbassyUzicka 43, YU-11040 BeogradTel: +381 11 367 0404-05, Fax: +381 11 369 0158E-mail: [email protected]
singaporeSingapore – Embassy/Innovation Norway16 Raffles Quay; No 44-01 Hong Leong Bldg.Singapore 048581Tel: +65 6220 7122, Fax: +65 6220 2191IN, Tel:+65 – 6 222 1316, Fax: +65 – 6 224 7079E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/singapore
slovakiaBratislava – EmbassyPalisády 29, 811 06 BratislavaTel: +421 2 59 10 01 00, Fax: +421 2 59 10 01 15Emergency phone number: +421 915 750 000E-mail: [email protected]
sloveniaLjubljana - EmbassyAdjovscina 4/8, 1000 LjubljanaTel: +386 1 300 2140, Fax: +386 1 300 2150E-mail: [email protected]
south africaJohannesburg – Innovation Norway14th Floor, Sandton City Office TowerPO Box 785436, Sandton 2146Tel: +2711784 8150, Fax: +2711784 8153E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/sorafrika
Pretoria – Embassy1 Parioli Building A2, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield 0083Tel: +27 12 342 6100, Fax: +27 12 342 6099E-mail: [email protected]
south koreaSeoul – Embassy258-8 Itaewon-Dong, Yongsan-Ku, Seoul 140-200Tel: + 82 2 795 6850, Fax: +82 2 798 6072E-mail: [email protected]
Seoul – Innovation Norwayco/ Royal Norwegian Embassy, Commercial Section22F S-Tower, 116 Shinmunno 1-ga, Jongno-gu,Seoul 110-061, KOREATel: +82 2 767 2650, Fax: +82 2 767 2701E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/korea
spainMadrid – EmbassyReal Embajada de Noruega en EspañaCalle Serrano, 26 (planta 5), 28001 MadridDirección postal: Real Embajada de NoruegaApartado de Correos 6132, 28080 MadridTel: +34 91 436 38 40, Fax: +34 91 319 09 69E-mail: [email protected]
Madrid – Innovation NorwayReal Embajada de NoruegaPaseo de la Castellana, 31-planta baja, 28046 MadridTel: +34 91 344 09 87, Fax: +34 91 344 09 47E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/spania
sri lankaColombo – Embassy34 Ward Place, Colombo 7Tel: +94 11 2469 611/12, 2469 609, Fax: +94 11 2695 009A duty officer is on call for emergencies at weekends:+94 11 2469 611E-mail: [email protected]
sudanKhartoum – EmbassyHouse no. 63, Street 49, Khartoum IITel: +249 183 578336, 578343, 578345, 576788,Fax: +249 183 577180Emergency (Thuraya): +88 216 670 026 76 / 28E-mail: [email protected]
swedenStockholm – EmbassySkarpögatan 4, S-115 27 StockholmTel: +46 8 665 6340, Fax: +46 8 782 9899E-mail: [email protected]
Stockholm – Innovation NorwaySveavägen 64, SE-111 34 Stockholm Tel: +46 8 791 83 00, Fax: +46 8 24 98 00E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/sverige
switzerlandBern – Embassy Bubenbergplatz 10, CH-3011 BernTel: +41 31 310 5555, Fax: +41 31 310 5550E-mail: [email protected]
syriaDamascus – EmbassyMezzeh, Eastern Villas, 2 Shafei Street, P.O. Box: 7703, Damascus, SyriaMail must be sent to the following address:Ambassaden i Damaskus, c/o UtenriksdepartementetPostboks 8114 Dep., 0032 OsloTel: +963 11 612 2941 / (+47) 21 55 54 18Fax: +963 11 611 2798E-mail: [email protected]
tanzaniaDar es Salaam – Embassy160; Mirambo Street, Dar es SalaamTel: +255 22 211 3366, Fax: +255 22 211 6564E-mail: [email protected]
thailandBangkok – EmbassyUBC II Building, 18th floor, 591 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 33, Bangkok 10110Tel: +66 (0)2 204 6500, Fax: +66 (0)2262 0218E-mail: [email protected]
turkeyAnkara – EmbassyKirkpinar Sokak No. 18; 06540 Cankaya, AnkaraTel: +90 312 405 8010, Fax: +90 312 443 0544E-mail: [email protected]
Istanbul – Innovation NorwayAytar Cad., Aydin Sokak, Aydin is MerkeziA Blok No: 2, D:7,1 Levent, TR-80620Tel: +90 212 2844 362 / 63 / 65 Fax: +90 212 2844 364 E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/tyrkia
ugandaKampala – EmbassyPlot 18B Akii-Bua Road, Nakasero.Tel: +256 417 11 20 00, Fax: +256 41 4343936Emergency Number: +256 772 70 31 07E-mail: [email protected]
ukraineKiev – EmbassyVul. Striletska 15, 252034 KievTel: +380 44 590 04 70, Fax: +380 44 234 0655E-mail: [email protected]
united arab emiratesAbu Dhabi – EmbassyHamdan Street, Al Masoud Tower; 10th floor, Abu DhabiTel: + 971 2 621 1221, Fax: +971 2 621 3313E-mail: [email protected]
Dubai – Innovation Norwayco/ Det Norske VeritasP.O. Box 1153914th floor, Burjuman Office TowerDubai U.A.ETel: +971 4 352 20 21E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/uae
united kingdomEdinburgh – Consulate General86 George Street, GB-Edinburgh EH2 3BUTel: +44 131 226 5701, Fax: +44 131 220 4976E-mail: [email protected]
London – Embassy25 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QDTel: +44 20 7591 5500, Fax: +44 20 7245 6993E-mail: [email protected]
London – Innovation NorwayTrade and Technology OfficeCharles House 5 Lower Regent Street, SW1Y 4LRTel: +44 207 389 8800, Fax: +44 207 9730 189 E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/storbritannia
usaBoston – Innovation Norway133 Federal Street, Suite 901, Boston, MA 02110Tel: +1 617 369 7870, Mobile: +1 617 818 3900Fax: +1 617 369 7820E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/usa
Houston – Consulate General/Innovation Norway2777 Allen Parkway; Suite 1185, Houston, TX 77019-2136Tel: +1 713 521 2900, Fax: +1 713 521 9648IN, Tel: +1 713 526 1300, Fax: +1 713 521 9473E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/usa
Minneapolis – Consulate General800 Foshay Tower; 821 Marquette Avenue, MinneapolisMN 55402Tel: +1 612 332 3338, Fax: +1 612 332 1386E-mail: [email protected]
New York – Consulate General825 Third Avenue; 38th floor, New York, NY 10022-7584Tel: +1 212 421 7333, Fax: +1 212 754 0583E-mail: [email protected]
New York – Innovation Norway (Tourism)655 Third Avenue, Room 1810, New York, NY 10017-9111Tel: +1 212 885 9700, Fax: +1 212 885 9710E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/usa
San Francisco – Consulate General/Innovation Norway20 California Street; 6th floor, San Francisco, CA 94111-4803Tel: +1 415 986 0766-8, Fax: +1 415 986 3318IN, Tel: +1 415 986 0770, Fax: +1 415 986 7875E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/usa
Washington DC – Embassy/Innovation Norway2720 34th Street N.W., Washington DC 20008-2714Tel: +1 202 333 6000, Fax: +1 202 337 0870IN, Tel: +1 212 421 9210, Fax: +1 202 337 0870E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/usa
venezuelaCaracas – EmbassyCentro Lido, Torre A, Piso 9, Oficina 92-A; Avenida Fransisco de Miranda, El Rosal, CaracasTel: +58 212 953 0671 / 0269 / 1973, Fax: + 58 212 953 6877E-mail: [email protected]
vietnamHanoi – Embassy/Innovation Norway10th Floor, Block B, Vincom City Tower1,191 Ba Trieu Street, HanoiIN, Tel: +84 4 3974 2930, Fax: +84 4 3974 3303E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/vietnam
zambiaLusaka – EmbassyCorner Birdage Walk / Haile Selassie Avenue, LusakaTel: +260 1 252188, 252626, 252637, Fax: +260 1 253915E-mail: [email protected]
zimbabweHarare – Embassy5 Lanark Road; Belgravia, HarareTel: +263 4 252426, Fax: +263 4 252430E-mail: [email protected]
norway abroadVol. 2009 No. 6 ISSN 0029-3628Published December 2009 by Findexa Forlag ASin cooperation with Innovation Norway, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Research Council of Norway and the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Gjerdrums vei 19, NO-0484 Oslo, NorwayTel: +47 21 50 80 00Fax: +47 21 50 80 01E-mail: [email protected]: www.findexaforlag.no
facts:
The NORWAY EXPORTS series provides timely, in-depth information on a selection of Norwegian companies, products and services in over 15 industrial sectors.
NORWAY EXPORTS is distributed free of charge through the Innovation Norway offices and Norwegian foreign service missions (see inside back cover), selected trade publications and at major conferences and trade fairs around the world.
For participation in or more information about NORWAY EXPORTS, please contact Findexa Forlag AS, tel: +47 21 50 80 00 or send an enquiry to [email protected]
All NORWAY EXPORTS publications can be downloaded at www.nortrade.com
The graphic design of this publication, including the font “Aeroportal”, is used with the permission of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is not to be used without the Ministry’s prior consent.
Copyright © 2009 Findexa Forlag ASNORWAY EXPORTS is printed on chlorine-free paper.
Cover photo: © ScanWind Group AS
Product Manager & Editor-in-ChiefJørgen Fodstad
Project ManagerPaal Tidemand
EditorRobert Moses
Text & Photo EditorSondre Sommerfelt
Contributing JournalistsValeria Criscione, Nora Gombos, Ed Milsom, David John Smith, Hege Tollerud and Susanne Werner.
Production & Distribution ManagerFrode Gulestøl
LayoutElisabeth Vraalsen and Pia Wagner
DesignBlanke Ark
PrintingMerkur-Trykk AS
Distribution
Norway Exports – Oslo - Powered by Nature is distributed through the following channels:• InnovationNorway’sofficesandNorwegianembassiesandconsulatesabroad• TheNorwegianMinistryofForeignAffairs’officesabroad• TheNorwegianMinistryofTradeandIndustry• OsloTeknopol’scontactsandnetworks• TheResearchCouncilofNorway’scontactsandnetworks• TheAssociationofNorwegianStudentsAbroad’s(ANSA)contactsandnetworks• TheConfederationofNorwegianEnterprise’s(NHO)contactsandnetwork• NorwegianChambersofCommerceworldwide• OfficialstatedelegationsinNorwayandabroad
Norway in BriefSize: 385,199 sq. km(including the islands of Svalbard and Jan Mayen)
Population 4 812 200 (Figure from April 1st 2009)
Main Cities Population (Figures from January 1st 2009)Oslo Region 1 600 000 Bergen 252 051 Stavanger/Sandnes 185 041Trondheim 168 257
Exchange Rate:NOK/USD 5.64 (Average 2008)NOK/EUR 8.22 (Average 2008)NOK/GBP 10.33 (Average 2008) Exports and Imports 2008 (Goods only)
NOK bill. USD bill. Amount of GDP Total Exports 957,8 169,8 37,59% Total Imports 497,3 88,2 19,52%
Main Export CommoditiesOil & gas, metals, machinery, chemical products, fish & fish products, pulp & paper and ferro alloys
Main Import Commodities Transport equipment, machinery, chemicals, textiles and metal products
oslo region 11
table of contents
2: Foreword by the Minister of Trade & Industry
3: Foreword by the Governing Mayor of Oslo
5-47: Oslo Articles
5: Oslo – Quality of Life
9: Blue, Green and the City in Between
12: Bjørvika – City within a City
14: Oslo Maritime Network
16: The Future is Renewable
21: Mobility for a Better Life
24: Life Science
25: The Oslo Cancer Cluster – Improving People’s Lives
26: Nansen Neuroscience Network – Unlocking Mysteries of the Mind
27: MareLife – Saving the Seas
28: Creative Oslo
32: The Sound of Oslo
36: Renaissance Man – Interview with Steven Van Zandt
39: Sharing the Moment – The 2010 Eurovision Song Contest
41: Shining Star
43: Teamwork
44: Oslo Innovation Week
46: In the Year 2025 – High-speed Rail
2
I am excited
to welcome
you to the
Oslo region.
The capital
region of
Norway
is one of
the most prospering regions of Europe,
combining a high quality of life with a high
level of productivity. The region consists
of Oslo, the capital of Norway, and the
surrounding county of Akershus. More
than one million people live in the region
which also serves a gateway to the rest
of Norway and the Nordic countries. The
region is in addition tightly interwoven with
the European economy as member of
the European Economic Area agreement,
securing full business access to the EU
market with some 495 million consumers.
The Norwegian economy is set for
change. The World Economic Forum
has ranked Norway as one of the top 15
most competitive countries globally and is
characterized as innovation-driven. The
Norwegian society and economy has time
and again proven its ability to adjust to
changing conditions.
The Oslo region’s leap from a small
outpost of Europe depending on the
export of natural resources in the 18th
century to the rapid industrialization in the
19th century has been followed by the
development of a range of knowledge-
intensive industries. Nothing symbolizes
this dynamic development more than
the conversion of the giant shipping yard
Akers Mek into the post-industrial complex
of Aker Brygge, hosting a stunning array
of enterprises ranging from internationally
operating banking and shipping
corporations to small cafés and boutiques.
Much of the innovation in Norway is taking
place in the Oslo region. Although Norway
is a country that is also characterized
by an abundance of natural resources,
the Oslo region is primarily the foothold
of a number of advanced services and
knowledge-intensive industries of world
class, among them the maritime sector,
energy and the environment, ICT, life
sciences and culture and entertainment.
Many of these industries also have strong
links to the scientific communities of the
Oslo region, like the University of Oslo and
Oslo Innovation Center, the latter aims to
be one of the leading centres in Europe
for innovation and industrial development
by commercializing ideas and results
from research environments and currently
houses more than 140 companies.
These kinds of industries attract skilled
professionals from all over Norway, the
Nordic countries, Europe and increasingly
an even more diverse international clientele
that have discovered the unique qualities,
business opportunities and high standard
of living in our region.
In effect, the Oslo region provides an
excellent platform for doing business. I
hope you will draw inspiration from this
magazine and maybe you will want to join
us.
trond giskeMinister of Trade and Industry
the oslo region – engine of change
oslo region 3
The Oslo
region plays
a special role
in Norway,
a unique
importance
founded on
a relationship
with nature, both through industrial and
business activities as well as the lifestyle
of its inhabitants. This is a region that is
“Powered by Nature”. The capital city of
Oslo is considered by many to be the
gateway to Scandinavia, a city that works
closely with the rest of the country to
ensure that a balanced cooperative effort
is beneficial for all.
Intellectual capital is placed high on the
list of priorities here, and this emphasis
on the human factor has helped lead
to continuing strong economic growth;
a remarkably low unemployment rate,
and continued increase in real earning
power. As a result, the Oslo region – and
Norway as a whole – consistently seeks
top quality, educated and experienced
personnel from all over the world to work
within the vibrant areas of research,
business, industry, education and other
innovative activities.
Consistent cooperation with nature is
deeply rooted in our national values. This
is clearly reflected in the Oslo region’s
long-term industrial strategy, which has
a knowledge-intensive industrial policy
at its centre. Five internationally oriented
clusters are primarily in focus here in the
region: Maritime, Energy and Environment
ICT, Life Sciences and Culture. These
clusters occupy a special niche – they
succeed in bridging the gap from the deep
roots of Norwegian history to the present
modern Norwegian society – as a solid
base to a sustainable and successful
future.
These clusters have a strong base in
Oslo, and are part of Norwegian national
cluster systems with node and centres
all through the country. The country’s
ongoing development of these national
cluster systems combine governmental
support with private initiatives; educational
opportunities with research and
innovation; all the time promoting common
values, goals and strategies that have
large positive effects for the whole of
Norway and beyond.
Today, as the main administrative centre
and the capital of Norway, Oslo works
in close cooperation with the rest of the
country. As the headquarters for the
national government and institutions,
major international corporations, and
more than 50% of Norwegian research
efforts, the city and the Oslo region are
continually attracting cooperation with the
international community, a benefit for not
only the region but for the country as a
whole.
The United Nations has rated Norway the
best country in the world to live in the last
seven years. Oslo is an excellent example
of the good modern life here, strongly
connected to the blue fjord and the green
mountains, and at the same time showing
the vibrancy of a city in growth, with a
rich culture and opportunities abounding.
This issue of “Oslo - Powered by Nature”
provides insight into the Oslo region,
which I hope tempts businesses, students,
global professionals, investors, families
and tourists to examine the possibilities to
invest, live and work in the Oslo region.
oslo – powered by nature
stian berger røslandThe Governing Mayor of Oslo
4
The Oslo Region has nearly two million
inhabitants, a vibrant region in growth.
Oslo Regional Alliance is the dynamic
political collaboration that works to
facilitate this continued growth in a
national perspective as well as increased
competitive international success.
The Oslo Regional Alliance consists of 57
local authorities including the City of Oslo,
The alliance is a collaborative, political
membership organization, strengthening
the Oslo region as a competitive and
sustainable region. According to the
Alliance’s Director Kari Garman, “The
about the oslo regional alliance
cooperation provides a synergy for
increased growth, competence, innovation
and competitiveness; combined with
an ever improving social and logistic
infrastructure.”
The goal of the organization is to
strengthen the Oslo region as a
competitive and sustainable region in
Europe with four defined focus areas:
• Joint profiling
• Competence, innovation and
competitiveness
• Spatial development, transport and
communications
• Social infrastructure
Through proactive measures and direct
efforts that profile and market the Oslo
region internationally, the Oslo Regional
Alliance will continue to implement
initiatives that positively influence the
various factors that make the Oslo region
more competitive and sustainable.
oslo region 5
By David John Smith
oslo – quality of life
The Oslo region is a fast-growing knowledge area in southeast Norway. With a high quality of life, safe and
accessible, this is the Oslo region - “Powered by Nature”.
Nearly two million people live in the Oslo
region, which consists of Oslo, the capital
of Norway, the surrounding county of
Akershus and Østfold, as well as parts
of the counties of Oppland, Vestfold and
Buskerud. This region has one-third of
Norway’s total population, a country that
has been ranked by the United Nations
– again - as the best country in the world
to live.
The Blue and the GreenIn the heart of the region lies the city of
Oslo. The “Blue and the Green and the
City in Between” – the Fjord City of Oslo
– has the exhilarating feel of an innovative
city in growth, while at the same time
maintaining its roots with nature. Literally
all inhabitants live within easy reach of an
open green area, and the use of parks,
forests, neighboring mountains, and of
course the sea is part of life all year round.
Growth here is being managed well.
According to the Governing Mayor of the
City of Oslo Stian Berger Røsland, the key
is in the balance. “A city in growth is a city
in development, and Oslo is poised on the
brink of a decade of positive development.
Nurturing a continued growth with a
strong emphasis on the environment –
while always keeping the quality of life here
as a top priority – this is what makes Oslo
special.”
Building a CareerNorway’s expertise within advanced
technology, research and development
(RandD) is clustered around the Oslo
region. Almost half of Norway’s RandD
activity is located here and the region
provides access to the most highly
educated labor force in Europe. Although
much of the success of the Oslo region is
rooted in its intellectual capital. Another
critical factor is the balance between
women and men in leadership positions.
The Norwegian government recognized
the importance of this and introduced
legislation in 2006 that requires all
publicly listed companies to have at least
40% female board members. Nearly all
companies affected by the law have now
managed to meet this target.
In addition, Norway has one of the most
progressive policies in the world when it
comes to parental leave and childcare.
Parental leave is at full pay for 42 weeks
or at 80% wage replacement for 52
weeks, and can be split between the two
© V
isitO
slo
/ Gun
nar S
trøm
Go for a run, walk your dog, take a nap, have
a barbeque. In the midst of Gustav Vigeland’s
sculptures in Frognerparken you can have a green
break in the middle of town.
6
parents as they wish. However, fathers
are required by law to take a minimum
of six weeks paternity leave under a
“use it or lose it” policy. The government
is also committed to providing full
preschool coverage for children, securing
that anyone who needs childcare is
offered a place at childcare centre. The
government’s pledge includes substantial
funding to support preschools, so that
parents’ fees are capped at a monthly
maximum.
Multicultural Melting PotThe Oslo region is multicultural with a large
international community. People have a
distinct knowledge of foreign languages,
and the region is enthusiastic as to attract
visitors, students, researches, investors,
businesses and foreign workers to the
region. With a young and highly educated
population, Oslo is the hub for the
development of the robust and forward-
looking Norwegian economy.
Lene Musæus, Board Chair of the
Confederation of Norwegian Enterprises
in the Oslo region sees attracting talent
and competent people both from local
and global sources as a key element
to strengthen the region’s businesses.
Cultural understanding and integration is
therefore extremely important in continuing
the positive trends here in the region,
“Of Norway’s population, approximately
11% descends from immigrants, and in
the Oslo this figure is one quarter of the
population. The challenge is to continue
to get more highly educated people of
foreign origin in the workplace on more
central positions.”
The Five ClustersFocus on innovation and the development
of five knowledge-intensive clusters in
the region through close collaboration
between stakeholders from RandD,
industry and public sector is a priority. In
cooperation with the private and public
entities, Oslo Teknopol, an inter-municipal
company that is owned by the City of Oslo
and Akershus County works with regional
economic development and profiles Oslo
region as an international business and
knowledge region.
The goal of Oslo Teknopol is to support
the Oslo region in continuing to become
one of the most innovative regions in
Europe. The focus is on development and
promotion of five key industry clusters:
• Maritime
• Energyandenvironment
• ICT
• Lifescience
• Culture
These clusters bring together a wide
range of skills, talents, and creativity in a
thriving mix that is gaining recognition far
beyond the borders of the Oslo region.
Common to these industry clusters is that
they have, or have the potential to develop,
communities with world class expertise.
See the separate sections in this magazine
that looks at each sector in more detail:
Maritime
Norway’s maritime industry is built on
the expertise gained from centuries as a
shipping nation, with Oslo at the centre.
Maritime companies locate in Oslo to be
part of a complete cluster of shipping
companies with a range of specialized
maritime services. For investors and
partners, the strength and the international
position of the maritime cluster in Oslo
offers many attractive opportunities.
EnergyandEnvironment
The Oslo region plays a key role in driving
the Norwegian in renewable energy and
CO2-technology. The region possesses
a unique competency gained through its
central role in 100 years of hydropower
production and close to 40 years of
offshore petroleum development.
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Refreshing summer activities are never far away in
Oslo.
oslo region 7
city life and recreational opportunities,
Oslo makes a great place to both
work and live. Oslo is home to a large
international community and as a northern
European hub for creative people, Oslo
offers a rich and varied array of music,
cuisine, design and art.
Justly famous for its clean air, stable
climate and spectacular scenery, the
region is a haven for all outdoor pursuits.
Visitors from around the world are
surprised to discover Oslo’s large scenic
areas with public right of way along the
fjord or in the forests and mountains that
surround the city centre. From golf, sailing,
hiking and biking in the summer to skiing,
skating and sledding in the winter – all can
be reached within minutes from downtown
and throughout the region, using the local
transportation system of trams, busses
and boats.
Internationally Accessible The Oslo region is Norway’s dominant
transport hub. Oslo Airport Gardermoen
(OSL) is the second
biggest and most
punctual international
airport in Scandinavia.
By air, it takes less
than 2 hours to reach
all the major cities in
northern Europe. The
airport is located 45
kilometres north of
InformationTechnology
Within Information Technology, the
Oslo region is in the midst of a ‘mobile
adventure’. Norway is among the world’s
leading information societies and widely
regarded as having a highly developed
mobile market, and the Oslo region is
a key driver and centre for research,
development and business. Norwegians’
desire for more efficient, entertaining and
mobile ways of communication has placed
them in the forefront of adapting and
developing new products and services.
LifeSciences
Norway’s capital region is paving the way
for groundbreaking biomedical research
and valuable discoveries within the life
sciences. With world-class research
within the areas of cancer, neuroscience
and marine bio-innovation; advanced
health registries and clinical innovation
- all combined with access to a highly
competent workforce – the Oslo region
represents a wealth of potential.
Culture
Oslo is the capital where cultural industries
bloom. They cover a range of sectors.
The “Live Music Capital of Scandinavia”
is home to 5,000 musical events each
year, and dynamic environment that
compliments well the strong cultural
heritage found here.
Quality of LifeThere are many sound business reasons
for investing or having a career in the
Oslo region, but equally strong are the
incentives to experience a quality of life
unparalleled in many other European
cities. With a unique blend of vibrant big
Oslo. OSL is also ranked as Europe’s most
efficient airport, according to Air Transport
Research Society (ATRS).
Teach your ChildrenInvestment in education per student
at the tertiary level is high in Norway
compared to the rest of Europe. An
advantage for those studying here is the
close cooperation between educational
institutions and government, research,
and business – something that results in
increased opportunities for students when
entering the workplace after education has
been completed. See the Sidebar “Youth
in Action” for an example of this close
cooperation.
Come to the Fjord CityOslo is continuing on its most adventurous
harbour renewal project ever, as a string
of waterfront properties in the heart of
the city are put up for sale and rezoned
for urban development. Among the port
capitals of Europe, Oslo stands out in
undertaking such a comprehensive
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From the fortress at
Akershus you can chill out
on the grass, taking in great
views over the fjord and the
busy Aker Brygge
8
revitalization of its downtown waterfront.
The aim is to reconnect the city with the
sea, providing residents and visitors alike
with a unique and sustainable quality of
life.
Oslo is a compact city with short
distances. It is easy to move around
by public transportation and you can
access rentable city bikes all over the city
centre. The Oslo region is known for its
focus on environmental issues, energy
efficiency, and sustainable city planning
through innovative technologies and new
infrastructures. In 2009 Oslo was ranked
among the top three greenest cities in
Europe according to the first European
Green City Index.
Snøhetta is the Norwegian name that
refers to one of the highest mountains
in Norway – and is also the name of the
internationally known architect firm based
in Oslo. For Snøhetta – the architects of
the award-winning Oslo Opera House – a
balance with nature means everything.
According to Snøhetta’s Senior Partner
and Director Kjetil Thorsen, “The
relationship to nature means everything in
the development of a creative architectural
solution. The Oslo region typifies what
is important to our work; the meeting of
nature with man in a clean, changing and
stimulating environment.”
Young adults are the most mobile
group when it comes to relocating,
and the Oslo region does its best
to both attract new talent as well as
work with youth, the ones who will
take the region into the future. Junior
Achievement Young Enterprise (JA-
YE) organizations teach enterprise,
entrepreneurship, and “economic
literacy”, focusing on the role of
business in the economy and
the relevance of education in the
workplace. The mission of JA-YE
is to use hands-on experiences to
help young people understand the
economics of life. In partnership with
business and educators, JA-YE brings
the real world to students and opens
their minds to their potential.
Junior Achievement Yong Enterprise’s
work provides benefits in many
tangible ways, as witnessed in the
JA-YE Innovation camp held in
conjunction with the Oslo Innovation
Week. In the JA-YE Innovation camp
at OIW 2009, 70 students from nine
regional Oslo and Akershus high
schools took part in a competition
to use their creativity in planning
a meeting place for both students
and businesses at Risløkka Center
for Vocational Training that will be
completed in 2013.
This EUR 100 million project is
a cutting-edge concept that will
place interaction with business and
industry as a top priority. The pupils
had a day to create a project plan, a
mood board and then professionally
present their solution for a jury.
Elvebakken High School won this
hotly contested contest, with the jury
citing the non traditional way that the
group took to present realistic and
achievable solutions. It is this sort of
interaction between the young and the
established organizations in the Oslo
region that makes it such an interesting
and creative place to live.
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The eclectic crosscountry skiier will find a well-
developed network of trails just outside the city.
Youth in Action
oslo region 9
The “Blue and the Green and the City in Between” - the Fjord City of Oslo - exhibits the combination of the
vibrant feel of an innovative city in growth, while at the same time maintaining its roots with nature. Over
90% of its inhabitants live within easy reach of an open green area, and nearly 9 of 10 school children walk,
bike or use public transport to go to school.
The bottom line is that Oslo is truly a city
that is in balance with nature, protecting
and preserving the surrounding “marka”
(countryside, mountains and forests),
and at the same time having sensible and
sustainable building development policies
that continue to attract new residents from
near and far.
This balance adds to the quality of life
here greatly, with surveys showing that
the majority of the inhabitants in the
city strongly identify with the nature
surrounding them. At the same time, the
Fjord City is positioned for an economic
boom during the next decade, when the
population will grow by several hundred
thousand.
Nature’s PlaygroundThe city’s unique position between the
eastern mountains of Norway and the Oslo
fjord is accentuated by 10 rivers that flow
through Oslo, rivers spanning the city from
east to west. The most well-known river
is Akerselva, a historical and beautifully
renovated area once home to the most
densely built industrial zone in Europe.
Now, it is home to cafés, dwellings,
concert halls, small creative businesses,
and a wealth of sightseers, joggers and
bicyclists. The Architect School of Oslo
and the National Academy of the Arts has
moved into former industrial premises
on both sides of the river, with the new
campus one of the most spacious in
Europe – and a true blend of nature and
architecture.
Twice yearly, in the fall and in the
springtime, the river is colourfully lit with
spotlights and artistic elements from
high up at its source in Maridalen and all
the way down to the city centre. Tens of
thousands make the traditional walk to
admire the combination of nature and art.
Long-term city plans includes continuing
to make all ten rivers increasingly
accessible, including the partially tunnelled
river of Alna that will be reopened for the
enjoyment of the population. The rivers
and waterfalls are especially spectacular
in the spring and autumn, when the river
banks seem to barely contain the raging
flow to the sea.
The mountains around the city provide
a natural playground for the people of
Oslo, with hundreds of kilometres of
bicycle paths (spring, summer and fall)
as well as downhill and cross-country
ski runs (wintertime); in addition to lakes
and streams where swimmers, fishing
enthusiasts, and others can literally walk
out their front door in Oslo, hop on a
tram and within half an hour be well off in
the natural surroundings of the city. The
city planners continue their processes in
making nature even more accessible –
without jeopardizing the balance between
man and nature.
By David John Smith
blue, green and the city in between
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The Bygdøy peninsula with the Kon Tiki and Fram
museums, and Holmenkollen with the ski jump seen
from the Oslo fjord on a sunny summer’s day.
10
Keeping the BalanceDevelopments are underway all over the
city, most visibly at Bjørvika – the new
“City within the City” (see the separate
article). This will be the centre for culture;
with the Norwegian Opera and Ballet, the
Munch Museum, the Museum of Culture,
the Deichmanske Public Library, and
other cultural attractions, all balanced
in harmony with the sites of the first
settlements which originally founded the
1,000 year-old city.
Ellen de Vibe is the Director for the Agency
for Planning and Building Services, the
city organization tasked to manage the
building activities and development of
the city. The “Blue & Green” balance
is extremely important to Ms. de Vibe,
while at the same time ensuring that the
opportunities for careful development
are in place. The city development of the
Bjørvika section of Oslo is an excellent
example of such planning – integrating the
east side of the city with the west.
According to Ms. de Vibe, “For centuries
the city of Oslo has been socio-
economically divided between east and
west by the river Akerselva that meets
the fjord at Bjørvika. The eastern side has
traditionally not been as affluent as the
west – making for a traditional separation.
The development at Bjørvika is based
on the strategy of establishing an ‘axis of
culture’, where the culture buildings will
make up a ‘network of pearls’, connecting
east with west.”
Growth, Planning & AestheticsThe creative educational environment in
the Oslo region is making an important
impact on Norwegian culture – and
beyond. Oslo National Academy for the
Arts plays an considerable role, and within
the specific genre of architecture, it is the
Oslo School of Architecture and Design
(AHO) that is an infuential learning institute
in the Oslo region, offering education
in the areas of architecture, industrial
design, landscape architecture and
urbanism. AHO’s Rector Karl Otto Ellefsen
is convinced of the positive impact of the
excellent work being done here in the city;
and the positive effects of work both by
established architects, and the young up-
and-coming talents.
As Ellefsen indicates, “The architecture
here is a combination of creativity
and talent combined with four guiding
parameters that include a clear
environmental focus, a balanced
urban development process, a clear
governmental role, and the ongoing
stimulation/creation/transfer of knowledge.
This ‘Oslo School’ is as much an attitude
as it is a style, something that will be well
displayed in the 4th Oslo Trienniale in
2010.” (See sidebar)
The architecture in progress includes the
Opera and Ballet House (architecture
by Snøhetta) and the National Museum
of Architecture (architecture by Sverre
Fehn) already in place; and soon to be
joined Renzo Piano (Astrup Fearnley
Museum of Modern Art); Lund Hagen (the
Deichmanske Library); and Juan Herreros
(the new Munch Museum).
City development is not without its
challenges. Trained as an architect and
with vast experience in urban planning,
she is well aware of the potential pitfalls
involved. According to Ms. de Vibe, “The
city is well prepared for an expected
‘boom’ period during the next 10 to 20
years, keeping the goals of maintaining
our status as capital with sustainable
development that is characterized by
economic, social and cultural growth.
Everything must be in balance with nature,
and nature’s ability to sustain growth.”
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The city is never far away.
oslo region 11
The Oslo School One of the new stars in the architectural
firmament is Snøhetta, based in Oslo,
which projects include the National
September 11 Museum Memorial Pavilion
in New York City; the Alexandria Library
in Egypt; renowned for its maintaining a
strong and distinct relationship between
landscape and architecture.
Snøhetta’s work lies at the heart of the
“Oslo School”, with its roots in legendary
work of the late Sverre Fehn, Christian
Norberg-Schulz and others, with the
primary characteristics that include the
use of natural-based materials; a close
and intimate relationship with nature;
inventiveness and curiosity; and working
with wood as a central element in the
architecture process. Other firms such as
Jensen and Skodvin; Jarmund & Vigsnæs
and many others are continuing to make
their mark, and their work is resulting in
synergies felt far outside of the region.
This ‘Oslo School’ is vividly visible in
the ongoing development of this city of
diversity.
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Feel on top of the
world, skiing high
above the rooftops
of Oslo. After skiing,
downtown is only 20
minutes away!
The Oslo Triennale 2010 will be the
fourth in a series of international
architectural triennales arranged by
the newly created Oslo Triennale.
The timing for this event is especially
appropriate with the stunning
developments currently taking place at
Bjørvika and other areas of the city.
As with previous Triennales, the
general goal is to establish a
highly profiled international arena
for architecture that challenges
traditional thinking and seeks to
explore, debate and engage a wide
range of perspectives, creating a
greater knowledge and awareness of
architecture and urban development
among professionals and the
population. The curator of the Oslo
Triennale is Bjarne Ringstad, co-
founder of the architecture firm Code,
and the Executive Director since 2000.
The Oslo Triennale 2010 will be
arranged in collaboration with the
National Association of Norwegian
Architects, NAL, Oslo School of
Architecture and Design, Norsk Form,
OAF (Oslo Association of Architects)
and Oslo Teknopol. As with the
previous triennales, the Oslo Triennale
2010 will be a non-profit arrangement
relying substantially on independent
efforts, public funding and private
sponsors. The long-term ambition is
to make the Triennale into Northern
Europe’s most important arena for
dissemination and debate on current
architectural and urban challenges.
The OsloTriennale 2010
12
The city plans to develop close to 1 million
square metres of residential, cultural,
commercial, and office space at the
eastern part of the Oslo fjord out of the
old industrial port area of Bjørvika and into
a thriving new centre. This is one of the
biggest waterfront projects developed in
Europe at the moment. The current heart
of the city is located on the western side
at Aker Brygge, the old shipyard area that
was built into a high-end residential and
commercial business district in the 1980s,
a stone’s throw from Oslo City Hall and the
National Theatre.
Aker Brygge will be a minor development
compared to the grandiose plans that
the city has laid out for Bjørvika. The
municipality has rebranded Oslo the “Fjord
City” and begun a harbour restructuring
project stretching 10 kilometres along the
fjord inner-city coastline that will shift the
power base from the trendy western part
of town around Aker Brygge eastwards to
Oslo Central Station and Bjørvika.
Integrated Urban PlanningThe first major sign of this renewal was the
completion of the new National Opera and
Ballet House in April 2008. Once a dreary
quay, a stunning glass and white marble
cultural monument now overlooks the Oslo
fjord with its bold and modern design. The
architect behind the marvel is Snøhetta,
the Norwegian company also known for
the Alexandria Library in Egypt and the
planned National September 11 Memorial
and Museum in New York. The Opera and
Ballet House was recently awarded by the
international jury at the World Architecture
Festival (WAF) in Barcelona for the culture
category.
The next great development will be the
completion of a huge new commercial
business district behind the Opera House
known as the Opera Quarter, previously
known under the design concept the
Bar Code because of the long, narrow
plots of land and staggered eaves of the
buildings. It’s an architectural cacophony;
no building will have the same materials as
the one next to it. No building will look the
same. The first tower to go up was a sleek,
glass upside down U-shaped building for
PriceWaterhouse Coopers. Next to it, a
Spanish stone façade will house Visma,
followed by a building for the Norwegian
insurance group KLP. DnBNOR, Norway’s
largest bank, will move into three buildings
by 2014, bringing together its numerous
offices that are currently scattered
throughout the city.
Oslo is in the throes of a major urban transformation. Museums will move. A new commercial business
district will be erected. And all will come together by the seaside at Bjørvika, site of the first settlements
which originally founded the 1,000 year-old city.
By Valeria Criscione
bjørvika – city within a city
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The Opera House was the first iconic new building
to rise in Bjørvika. This area is currently subject to a
major urban development
oslo region 13
multicultural neighbourhood known for its
varied ethnic restaurants and artsy cafes,
with the new commercial business district
at Bjørvika and Oslo Central Station.
“You can do like it is in New York and
live in New Jersey,” said Lødøen. “You
can take the train from Fredrikstad (100
kilometres south of Oslo) directly into
town.”
Cultural EpicentreThat will just be the beginning. There are
talks of building an aquarium by the Opera
House and plans to move the Historical
Museum (Kulturhistorisk Museum). They
might as well given that they found 15
old Viking ships under the Opera Quarter
while constructing the project. There are
already plans for building a new Munch
Museum, Stenersen Museum, and the
New Commercial Business DistrictWithin the next eight years, up to 16
buildings in the Opera Quarter will house
10,000 workplaces, 450 apartments
integrated among the buildings, and
20,000 square metres of restaurants and
shops, the single largest collection of living
and working space in all of Oslo. It will
also be among the tallest with 17 stories,
roughly 67 metres tall, more than double
the height of the average building in town.
“We are the new commercial business
district,” said Paul Lødøen, Chief Executive
of Oslo Utvikling AS, the developers
behind the Opera Quarter and one-third of
the Bjørvika area. “In Norway, the Opera
Quarter will be our skyscraper.”
The plan is to make the area a 24/7 live
and work community where people can
choose to raise a family in the city near
their jobs, or commute easily from the
suburbs directly into the central railway
station. There will be office buildings,
apartments, museums, parks, restaurants,
shops, kindergartens, a new school, an
underground parking system, and little car
traffic. The city is re-routing the sprawling
highway system that divides the central
station from the seaside and building a
new tunnel underneath the fjord that will
connect the western part of the city to the
east at Bjørvika by 2010. There will also
be a footbridge from the Opera Quarter
into Grønland that will connect this edgy,
Deichmanske Main Library alongside the
Opera House and many more residences
and offices. By the end of this grandiose
project, there should be housing
consisting of 5,000 apartments and
20,000 workplaces in the entire Bjørvika
area.
“An important goal for restructuring
Bjørvika was that we would create a living
community for the joy of the whole city,
with a blend of housing, offices and art
and cultural institutions that will attract
locals, national and international visitors,”
says Stian Berger Røsland, Governing
Mayor of Oslo, in connection with the
2008 decision to move the Munch and
Stenersen museums down to Bjørvika and
the National Museum of Art, Architecture
and Design to Vestbanen, the old western
railway terminal station.
Barcode
14
Oslo’s unique maritime community
spans services from finance, equipment,
shipbrokers, legal, insurance,
classification, research and development,
to education. But the key to remaining
at the forefront lies in strengthening its
competence, according to Odd Torset,
Oslo Maritime Network’s newly appointed
managing director.
Torset took over in September 2009 as
head of OMN after retiring as regional
manager for the Nordic and Baltic at
Det Norske Veritas, a world leading
classification society for ships, as well as
for offshore verification and consultancy.
He brings to the table 35 years of maritime
experience from DNV, the last decade of
which from top management.
His main task now at OMN is to facilitate
cooperation across the sectors and
bring up ideas for more efficient and
environmentally friendly shipping. One way
is through education, as spearheaded by
the establishment of the Global Maritime
Knowledge Hub last year in partnership
with the Norwegian Shipowners
Assocation. The other key is innovation,
where OMN acts as a bridge builder
between Innovation Norway and start-ups
for further research and development.
“We have to strengthen our competence,”
says Torset. “Only then are we able to
continue to be in the forefront of shipping,
equipment, brokers and financing. We
don’t have cheap labour and we are not in
the centre of markets geographically.”
Oslo Maritime Network is a non-profit
membership network gathering members
from all segments of the maritime cluster
in the greater Oslo region. There are
currently 60 members, such as ship
owners Wilhelm Wilhelmsen and IM
Skaugen, class society DNV, shipbrokers
RS Platou, environmental organization
Bellona, and research group SINTEF.
The greater Oslo region is the centre of the
deep-sea shipping and services industry,
with 10,000 maritime employees stretched
from the southern cities of Sandefjord
and Larvik northward to Kongsberg and
Drammen. Nationwide, there are about
90,000 maritime employees.
“Customers come here to order, design,
insure, charter and classify ships,”
says Kevin Gallagher, Maritime Cluster
Coordinator at Oslo Teknopol, The OMN
Secretariat. “You can spend a week here
and come away with your ship in order.”
Flagging HomeOne of the trends expected to have a
positive impact on the Oslo area is the
recent increase in Norwegian registered
ships, more commonly referred to
as “flagging home,” as a result of the
new Norwegian shipping tax regime
announced in late 2007.
The Norwegian ministry of trade and
industry has been on a charm offensive
to convince ship owners to register
Norway’s maritime industry is built on the expertise gained from centuries as a shipping nation. Norway has the
fifth largest merchant fleet in the world, and the capital city of Oslo is a leading international shipping metropolis,
with 1,000 viable maritime companies and one of the most complete maritime clusters in the world.
oslo maritime network
By Valeria Criscione
Rough seas
oslo region 15
in the Norwegian International Ship
register (NIS). Its efforts have borne fruit.
The number of ships in the Norwegian
merchant fleet, registered in the NIS and
owned by Norwegians, went up from
355 in 2007 to 385 in 2008, according to
Statistics Norway.
An example is Höegh Autoliners, which is
relocating its shipowning activity to Oslo.
Following the move, 43 car carriers will be
held by its Norwegian shipowning entity.
By 2012, it plans to have at least 61 car
carriers under Norwegian ownership.
“The Norwegian maritime cluster provides
a unique base for collaboration and
experienced resources in all maritime
related fields,” says Thor Jørgen
Guttormsen, Höegh Autoliners Chief
Executive. “Maritime competence of a very
high standard is available here.”
The maritime environment will grow as a
result of the rise in Norwegian registered
ships, according to Torset. It means more
influential people will contribute to other
parts of the maritime cluster and more
competence will be gathered.
“In Oslo we have the total cluster,” he
says. “The crossover effect will be larger
than in other clusters.”
The Global Maritime Knowledge HubThe idea is to make Norway the maritime
equivalent of what life sciences were for
Boston and IT for Silicon Valley, sometime
within the next decade. The Oslo region
will build on its unique concentration of
top league universities and R&D milieus,
international knowledge firms, competent
venture capital and investors, to offer
an innovative culture, with excellent
infrastructure and highly attractive living.
The most important initiative by OMN has
been the creation of the Global Maritime
Knowledge Hub. So far the knowledge
hub has set up 14 of 20 planned
professorships at Norwegian universities.
Each professorship is funded by a
maritime company and given a specific
priority focus of study. For example,
Farstad, Havila Island Offshore and DNV
have funded an advanced maritime
operation professorship at the College in
Ålesund. Tschudi Shipping has sponsored
the Centre for High North Logistics at
the College in Bodø and the Norwegian
School of Management in Oslo. DNV
has sponsored three at the Norwegian
University of Science and Technology
(NTNU) in Trondheim in construction and
hydrodynamics, operational logistics and
ice mechanics.
“The professorships are all over the
country because it is also a national
cluster,” says Torset. “It’s not just
important for Oslo, but to see how we can
develop competence on a national level.”
SpringboardIts other initiative is within innovation,
under the concept “Springboard,” which
has its origins in the Silicon Valley ICT
environment. Springboards provide an
intensive meeting between promising
young companies and expert panels
to put companies on a fast track to
successful commercialization and new
markets. It acts as a bridge builder
between innovation facilitators and start-
ups for further research and development.
OMN has, together with partner
CONNECT Norway, conducted several
springboards to date, helping companies
with divergent concepts such as social
computing for shipping, slicker and
stronger ship coatings, and recycling of
water on board in order to reduce spillage
and improve energy efficiency. CONNECT
was established in 1985 by the University
of California as a program for technology
and entrepreneurship.
• 1,876 ships
• 61 mobile offshore units
• 57,400 seamen – of which 16,100 are Norwegian nationals
• 90,000-100,000 employed in the maritime industries
• Maritime industries generate NOK 100 billion annually
• International shipping contributes most to foreign trade service revenues
• The world’s second largest offshore industry
Source: Norwegian Shipowners Association
The World’s Fifth LargestShipping Nation
16
“We definitely have a strong belief in the
knowledge hub for climate technology and
sustainable energy of the Oslo region. With
political will and a high educational level,
the region of Oslo has a great potential to
make its mark within this field,” says the
Governing Mayor of Oslo, Mr Stian Berger
Røsland.
Norway is the largest producer of
hydroelectric power in Europe, a green
source of energy that supplies 99% of the
country’s electricity needs.
In recent years, the development of other
types of green technology has become a
priority. Paradoxically, green technology in
Norway owes a lot to the discovery of oil
and gas in the North Sea from the 1970s
onwards, both in terms of research area
and funding.
The state-owned oil company Statoil was
created to benefit from the oil boom, and it
facilitates the development of a Norwegian
oil service industry. Today, the company
is diversifying away from a sole focus
on hydrocarbon extraction, and invests
billions of Norwegian kroner in carbon
capture and other types of green energy.
In addition, oil revenues are used
to finance the welfare-state, which
provides free education and sets
aside considerable amounts of capital
for research and publicly sponsored
programmes. With the looming threat of
peak oil, there is considerable political will
to support and cultivate growth in other
sectors, such as renewable energy and
low carbon technologies.
A Favourable Climate for Green EnergyWith a concentration of internationally
leading companies and research
institutions, competent venture capital and
abundant natural resources at its door
step, the Oslo region is in a particularly
favourable and unique position when it
comes to developing clean energy:
• Natural conditions – High levels of
precipitation, along with the large rivers
that flow through the eastern parts of
Norway, create excellent conditions
for harnessing hydro power for the
generation of electricity. The well-
forested counties of Eastern Norway
provide ample raw materials for biofuels
and bioenergy for heating.
• Strong education and R&D environment
– The Oslo region hosts many of
Norway’s leading R&D institutes.
Climate change, renewable energy and
environmental topics are high on the
agenda at universities, laboratories, and
various research and education centres
in the region.
• Business and capital – There is a
concentration of public and private
companies in the region, possessing
both the capital and the willingness
to expand their hydro and wind
businesses. The region is also home
to silicon wafer companies such as
REC, which rank among the top world
producers in their field. In addition,
active and competent venture capital
and private equity funds have stimulated
increased investments in renewable
energy and environmental activities.
• Political commitment – There is
a general understanding among
politicians that sustainable energy
generation is the key to fighting climate
change, as well as a source for new jobs
and innovation. Publicly funded national
and regional programmes have been
established to accelerate innovation
processes. In the Oslo region, politicians
also see the importance of cross-county
cooperation on environmental issues.
One example is the Climate and Energy
Fund, a collaborative project between
the counties of Akershus and Buskerud,
and the municipality of Oslo.
The combination of progressive companies, state-of-the-art research facilities and strong support from
the public sector create a solid foundation for the Oslo region to become the centre of a world-leading
knowledge hub for environmental technology and sustainable energy.
the future is renewable
Hundreds of floating wind turbines creating a gigantic
wind farm in the North Sea.
By David John Smith and Nora Gombos
oslo region 17
A Global Knowledge Hub The Oslo region comprises all the
main elements required to become a
world-leading centre for climate and
energy technology; the presence of a
strong scientific environment with tight
connections to a well-established industry
and access to investment capital.
A recent survey by the consultancy Menon
Business Economics sets the number
of businesses exclusively focused on
renewable energy, and environmental
products and services to 721 in Oslo
and its surroundings. These companies
employ a total of 12,000 people and
generate about NOK101 billion 1 (EUR
12 billion). In Norway, the public sector
accounts for roughly 40% of GDP, and
many cleantech start-ups in particularly on
public demand, at least in the early phases
of commercialization.
Government agencies and local
administration are instructed to make
environmental considerations when
doing public procurements. The
Governing Mayor of Oslo, Mr Stian Birger
Røsland, emphasises that there is an
ongoing process of certifying all units
of the municipality according to a set of
environmental criteria. At present time
around 50% is certified. According to
Mr Røsland this certification will be an
important contribution in both reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and stimulating
enterprises within the sector.
1Menon Business Economics 2008 (2006-data)
Educational Opportunities and Research Structures in the Oslo regionA distinct characteristic of the potential
knowledge hub in the Oslo region is the
strong academic milieu and opportunities
for students within the field. The
Norwegian University of Life Sciences,
the University of Oslo and other major
educational institutions all offer studies
relating to climate and energy, covering
topics such as energy and environment
It is the ambition of the national
authorities to increase interaction
between academic milieus and
the business sector. Through the
programme Business Ph.D. a
company may receive economic
support for an employee doing a
doctorate. In 2009, the programme
was budgeted to receive EUR 4.5
million in total.
Business Ph.D
Large rivers flow through Norway, providing good
conditions for generation of hydropower.
In total, 12 clusters of companies
within different fields has been
awarded status as NCE on a national
basis. Five of these lie within what can
be characterized as the Oslo region,
and especially the System Engineering
hub in Kongsberg and the energy hub
in Halden are relevant in this context.
Energy provision and development
of electric and hybrid cars are
central areas of priority for the hub in
Kongsberg. In Halden, the hub has its
roots in an ICT milieu, with a special
focus on energy trade and distribution,
climate products and energy systems.
Norwegian Centres of Expertise
18
emphasis is also placed on developing
closer ties between the business sector
and academia.
The NCEs are backed by The Industrial
Development Corporation of Norway,
The Research Council of Norway and
Innovation Norway. The same public
organizations also administer a national
program for the development of regional
business clusters called Arena. Like NCE,
Arena is a program assisting networks
through financial and professional support.
Lillestrøm Centre of Expertise (LCE) has a
prominent role in the Oslo region. Based
on a public-private partnership, the LCE
has more than 80 members, including the
Institute for Energy Research (IFE) and
Kjeller Vindteknikk AS (specializing in wind
power).
In addition, LCE has strong connections to
the Norwegian University of Life Sciences,
located at the nearby town of Ås, and it
OREEC’s vision is to become
Europe’s leading cleantech cluster.
The organization works with an
interdisciplinary approach, with the
aim to increase the participants’ speed
of innovation and opportunities for
business development. Its activities
are based on innovation, international
cooperation, building competence,
and networking, as well as national
and international public relations.
OREEC is your partner if you are:
• Looking for a business partner
• Looking for a highly qualified
supplier to improve your energy and
environment solutions
• Looking for contacts within leading
research institutes or universities
• Looking for a strategic partner for
your cluster initiative
For more information: www.oreec.no
Oslo Renewable Energy and Environment Cluster
OREECin buildings, environmental physics and
renewable energy and materials, energy
and nanotechnology. The leading business
school BI already has programmes in
environmental economy.
Director of Studies at the University of
Oslo (UiO), Mrs Monica Bakken, confirms
a strong interest in these topics among
students, and explains that UiO now offers
13 different Master’s programmes entirely
or partially devoted to sustainable energy.
The establishment of CIENS in 2005
was another milestone in establishing
a knowledge hub. CIENS is a strategic
research cooperation between the
University of Oslo and seven institutes
working within different natural and social
sciences. Its ambition is to be a national
and international centre for interdisciplinary
research on environment and society.
A vital aspect of the venture is the Oslo
Innovation Centre, which assembles
roughly 500 people, and creates synergies
and new projects across institutional
borders. Four of the participating
institutions have relocated all or most of
their staff to the centre.
Network Organizations and ProgrammesIncreased cooperation between academic
institutions has become a trend among
most institutions in the region. The
“Oslofjord alliance” is a partnership
established to promote collaboration
between educational institutions offering
programs in science and technology in the
wider region of Oslo.
Through the strong link between
participating institutions and Norwegian
Centres of Expertise (NCE), special
oslo region 19
houses the secretariat for the regional
network organization Oslo Renewable
Energy and Environment Cluster (OREEC).
The focus on climate and environmental
technology has spurred the growth of
several other network organizations in the
region, like Nordic Climate Cluster, Green
Business Norway, and the Norwegian
Forum for Environmental Technology.
These have been formed in addition to the
already existing trade organizations.
Reduce Carbon Footprint 30% by 2020The drive towards more environmentally-
friendly products and services relies
heavily on political will. In response to
the European Union’s 20-20-20 plan for
CO2-reduction2, Norway decided on a
30% reduction target for the same period,
achieved through different measures
such as reducing the overall energy
consumption, promoting new forms of
renewable energy, and increasing the
share of biofuels and electric vehicles.
Increased Funding for Energy Research A long-term strategy for cutting emissions
was devised as part of the 2008 climate
consensus, with precise mid-term
objectives. Included in this package was
an additional allocation to the National
Research Council earmarked for research
in sustainable energy. Most of these
additional NOK 850 million (EUR 95
million) will be distributed over a 10-year
period to eight newly-created Centres for
Environment-friendly Energy Research
(CEERs). Each centre has been assigned
to research specific areas of green energy,
transport and CO2 management.
These centres are now in the process of
attracting talented scientists and Ph.D.
students from all over the world. The
Oslo region is home to two of the centres
which received CEER-status, namely The
Bioenergy Innovation Centre (CenBio) in
Ås and The Norwegian Research Centre
for Solar Cell Technology in Kjeller.
Key CompetencesUsing natural resources and making the
most of geographical conditions have
been at the core of Norway’s role as an
energy producer, and this holds true for
clean energy as much as for fossil fuels.
The rough weather provides excellent
conditions for hydro and wind power, the
latter being particularly true along the
long Atlantic coastline in the western part
of Norway. The leading player in both
segments is the state-owned power utility
Statkraft, which is steadily expanding
its presence throughout Scandinavia,
Germany, United Kingdom and south-
eastern Europe.
The strong position of Norwegian solar
wafer producers, such as Oslo-based
REC, stems mainly from a long-standing
Norwegian expertise in silicium and
metals.
Hydro and Orkla are other examples of big
Oslo-based industrial groups that invest
heavily in renewable energy (hydro/wind
and photovoltaic respectively).
2(20 % reductions by 2020 and a share of at least 20 % renewables in the energy mix)
• Norwegian Centre for Offshore Wind
Energy – CMR
• BIGCCS Centre – International
CCS Research Centre – SINTEF
Energiforskning
• Subsurface CO2 storage – Critical
Elements and Superior Strategy
(SUCCESS – CMR)
• Research Centre for Offshore
Wind Technology – SINTEF
Energiforskning
• Centre for Environmental Design
of Renewable Energy – SINTEF
Energiforskning
• The Norwegian Research Centre for
Solar Cell Technology – IFE
• Bioenergy Innovation Centre – UMB
• The Research Centre on Zero
Emission Buildings – NTNU
The centres will receive between EUR
1 and 2 million per year over a period
of five years, with a possibility for
extending the funding for another three
years.
Centres for Environment-friendly Energy Research
20
CO2-emissions3. It could also secure the
prolonged demand for Norwegian natural
gas, and probably open up a huge market
for storing European CO2 underneath the
Norwegian seabed.
The cost of required investments before
the technology becomes commercially
viable is estimated at EUR 1-1.5 billion,
but the actual cost could run much
higher. However, there is still plenty of
political support in Norway for CCS, and
if successful, it could become Norway’s
next big export.
Carbon Capture As Norway is a major producer of fossil
fuels, CO2 management is also an area
of priority. Large capital investments have
been made in carbon capture and storage
(CCS) at two recently constructed gas
power stations on the western coast of
Norway.
If installed at a sufficient number of power
stations around the world, CCS could
contribute substantially to the reduction of
Energy Related ServicesEnvironmental technologies encompasses
much more than the mere generation of
renewable energy. They represent new
business possibilities in a much broader
sense.
Founded in the 19th century as a ship
classification company, Det Norske Veritas
(DNV) has been known as a world-leader
in qualification and verification services,
serving a wide range of customers in many
different sectors. Once it defined risk
management as the general concept of
its activities, the group quickly discovered
business opportunities in a number
of climate-related areas ranging from
certification of CDM-projects in developing
countries to environmentally-friendly ship
design.
DNV’s head of corporate social
responsibility, Mr Sven Mollekleiv, sees
great potential for Oslo as the centre
of a world-leading knowledge hub for
renewables. Maintaining the close links
between business, research institutions
and public administration is the most
effective way to map out promising areas
for cooperation and innovation.
For Mr Mollekleiv it is also important to
underscore that it is not just the city of
Oslo, but Norway as whole, that should
be included in the hub, “We must consider
the capital city as a resource for the entire
country!”
Urban Hydropower
3The International Energy Agency (IEA) sees CCS as one of the most important measures, along increased energy efficiency and more use of renewable energy (World Energy Outlook 2008).
oslo region 21
The Oslo region is an excellent test market
for new and innovative products. One
major development scheme is transferring
mobile technology to other, related
business areas. Computers, mobile
phones and the internet have become
very important, if not essential, features in
our daily lives, both at work and at home.
Scandinavians are known to be early
adapters of new technology. Norwegians
have the technology available to work
from wherever they are. People in the Oslo
region prefer to be able to log on even
in their spare time, despite spending the
weekend away with family and friends. For
most employers this turns out to be highly
valuable in the return they get from their
workforce.
The ICT sector includes the production of
both goods and services. This has created
unique opportunities for innovations
in applying ICT to strong Norwegian
sectors such as oil and gas, transport,
maritime, marine and life science. The
Oslo region is a key driver and centre for
research, development and business. A
combination of expertise, strong R&D
environments and advanced users with
high spending power has made the Oslo
region an excellent test market for new
and innovative ICT products.
Recent years have witnessed a large
number of business start-ups in the
region, and several internationally
renowned companies have chosen to
locate here. Some of these are global
leaders within their field and software
companies like Opera, FAST and Trolltech
have between 20 and 30 nationalities in
their workforce, having attracted people
with exceptional skills from all over the
world.
Oslo ICT NetworkThe aim of the Oslo ICT Network is to
promote and further develop the already
strong ICT knowledge environment in
the region through partnerships within
the sector. The Oslo ICT Network will
act as a facilitator, set up to promote
and materialize a mobile way of life and
work. Together with some of the most
advanced IT companies in the region, it
will encourage new ways of collaboration
and use.
The possibilities and challenges the ICT
sector is facing are manifold, and to create
arenas in which the businesses can work
together are important. Projects that can
be of common interest must be identified
and developed further. Bjarte Frøyland,
heading up the Oslo ICT Network
Freedom encourages creativity and responsibility. Few people in the world spend less time in the actual
office than Norwegians, without them being less efficient. The desire for more efficient, entertaining and
mobile ways of communication has placed Norwegians at the forefront of adapting and developing new
technology, products and services.
mobility for a better life
© O
slo
Tekn
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/Ida
Næ
ss W
ange
n
New technology makes it easy to adapt a more
flexible work practice, allowing employees to work
from other locations than the office when needed.
22
emphasizes, “These are really exciting
times for Oslo. We are in a region with
big spenders on IT, with demanding user
communities that know precisely what
they need and want. What a place to be if
you are at the forefront of technology!”
One of the key drivers in setting up the
Oslo ICT Network is Paul Chaffey, the
general manager at Abelia, a trade and
employers association dedicated to
improve the business environment for ICT
member companies and to promote the
industry’s contribution to economic growth
and social progress. Mr Chaffey has years
of experience in speaking on behalf of ICT
businesses, and also has a background
in politics. Abelia has helped change the
attitudes towards use of technology in
Norway, and has managed to generate
a common accept for more efficient and
flexible work practices.
The Oslo ICT Network covers a number
of related projects, networks and
organizations. Some of these are already
up and running:
The Mobile Cluster Norway is among the world’s leading
information societies and widely regarded
as having a highly developed mobile
market. The mobile adventure is partly due
to the spirit of creativity and innovation in
the new generation of content in mobile
applications.
The idea behind creating a Mobile
cluster in the Oslo region is to focus on
transferring mobile technology to other,
related business areas. For 2010, the
established mobile strategies group under
Norsk Dataforening and Wireless Future
are identified as two main projects in the
mobile cluster.
NHIINThe health sector is facing big changes
and challenges connected to new
technology. Norwegian Health IT and
Innovation Network (NHIIN) was formally
established in February 2009, and is
working for better partnerships within the
industry.
The network coordinates information and
activities, it links different environments
and initiate projects for increased
knowledge, development and innovation.
The long-term goal for NHIIN is better
quality on health care services and
to develop some concrete products
and services for commercial use, both
nationally and internationally.
New technology within the health
care sector demands a change in
organizations, treatment forms and
oslo region 23
models for services. The health care
industry is not pioneers in using digital
technology and content solutions. Despite
the large information demands within
the sector, there are large potentials for
exploiting the possibilities of ICT.
NHIIN is currently involved in the process
of creating an eHealth network covering
the whole of Norway. At World of Health
IT in Barcelona in March 2010 there will be
a Norwegian stand, with suppliers from all
over Norway joining forces. And through
2010 there will be closer collaboration
with Swedish eHealth environments,
through the EU co-funded Interreg project
COINCO North and other initiatives.
Mobile PharmaciesThe Oslo ICT Network is working with NAF
Data on a scheme in which clients can get
information about medicine on their mobile
phones, including prescriptions and
dosage. In a pilot project it is being tested
how patients with special conditions like
for example KOLS, can get information
about the weather and climate when they
are going away to places where it may
affect their health.
Wireless FutureMany companies are contributing to the
growing mobile and wireless cluster in
Oslo. Wireless Future is established as a
cluster building initiative, involving most
of the key players from business and
R&D in Norway. The aim is to create new
technology, new businesses and export
opportunities.
In 2009 Den Norske Bank (DnB Nor)
emerged as the leading global mobile
bank, with more than 1 million customers
using their mobile banking facility on
a monthly basis. There are also major
developments in mobile end-user
communication at the Norwegian Post
Office, the State Taxation and at Municipal
Home Care Services. More public services
are going mobile in 2010, and a number of
private sector companies are using mobile
CRM as a competitive advantage. Airlines
and lifestyle providers are at the forefront
of such
At the moment, there are discussions
going on with IBM to organize a
Smarter Cities conference in Oslo in
2010. These successful events have
previously taken place in New York
and Berlin in 2009. For Oslo, hosting
this convention would mean an
excellent opportunity to showcase all
the initiatives that are already in place
to make Oslo a smart city, but also to
set a goal and vision for what will make
Oslo an even smarter city, a showcase
of the Nordics, with high focus on
leadership, collaboration, standards,
vision and innovation.
IBM Smarter Cities
24
The research environment in the
region is closely connected to the
medical, educational, business, and
governmental infrastructure, creating
the basis for a synergy of success.
Gaustadbekkdalen in Oslo is one
of the most concentrated physical
campuses for bio-medical activity
in the Nordic countries. The anchor
is the close cooperation between
Rikshospitalet, Norway’s largest
and most specialized hospital, and
the neighbouring University of Oslo.
Also located here is a large division
of SINTEF, the Nordic countries’
largest independent applied research
organization, the Oslo Innovation
Center and the GlaxoSmithKline
Innovation Center. Not far from
Gaustadbekkdalen, Montebello is
home to the world famous Radium
Cancer Hospital, with a new Radiation
Center, and a new science park to
enhance the recently launched Oslo
Cancer Cluster.
In a beautiful countryside setting
to the South-East of Oslo, the Ås
campus is the focal point of green and
blue biotech research. The campus
includes the University of Life Science,
Nofima Mat, Bioforsk, Bioparken and
the Nofima Marin research institute.
Ås is also home to CIGENE, a FUGE
center providing integrated genetics
research services to other institutes.
As the business-development agency
in the Oslo region, Oslo Teknopol has
a focus on facilitating success within
designated key business sectors and
their individual companies, institutions
and organizations, with the biotech –
life science industry being of particular
importance.
An important initiative within the life
science sector in the greater Oslo
region is the Oslo Bio Network, a
collaborative network of stakeholders
from the life science cluster that
is committed to long term growth
through marketing, initiating and
facilitating development projects,
and international collaboration. Oslo
Teknopol is secretariat,
www.oslo.teknopol.no
Oslo Teknopol & Oslo Bio Network
Oslo: A Concentration of Bio-activitiesNorway and Oslo’s strength lies in the
quality of the research conducted and the
access to one of Europe’s most highly
educated workforces. Whilst cancer
research is well known, major advances
have been made in other areas as well.
In cardiovascular research, three of the
seminal trials – on beta-blocker, ace
inhibitors and cholesterol lowering drugs
– were performed here. Similarly four of
the key discoveries in neuroscience were
made by Oslo-based scientists. Therefore
Norway’s strategic focus is on those areas
where Norwegian research is of the very
highest calibres:
• Cancer diagnostics and treatment
• Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular
• Immunology
• Blue and green biotech
• Functional genomics
Seventy percent of all biotechnological
research in Norway is done in the
Oslo region. With its clinical and
research hospitals, numerous research
institutes within life sciences and close
international links, the Oslo region is well
positioned both with respect to public
private cooperation and international
collaboration. Infrastructural strengths in
health registers – unique worldwide, dating
back 50 years – clinical trials and public
support also lay a solid foundation for
future growth.
Life science activities and initiatives are
taking thriving steps – experiencing
success regionally, and internationally.
Oslo Teknopol and the various partners
and strategic alliances with this exciting
area offer many interesting opportunities
ahead.
Norway’s capital region is paving the way for groundbreaking biomedical discoveries within the life sciences
of cancer research, neuroscience and marine bio-innovation.
life science
By David John Smith
oslo region 25
The cluster was established in 2006 as a
result of more than 80 years of excellent
cancer-related activities in the region,
and in June 2007 Oslo Cancer Cluster
was awarded NCE (Norwegian Centres
of Expertise) status by the Norwegian
Government. According to CEO Bjarte
Reve, “Norway has a long and outstanding
tradition in cancer research and
development, and it is this competence
and knowledge that Oslo Cancer Cluster
builds upon in order to invent innovative
treatments against cancer. It is the close
cooperative effort between educational
institutions, research, government,
hospitals, and the business sector that
is one reason for this clusters continued
success.”
This cooperation goes far beyond
Norwegian borders. Oslo Cancer Cluster
is open for new members in cancer
R&D from all over the world, and has
established close cooperation with other
cancer research-intensive regions that
include cooperation with universities and
research centres like Lund in Sweden;
Heidelberg in Germany; Tolouse in France
- and also North Carolina in the US. OCC
also places great emphasis on transfer of
knowledge through events - including the
September 2010 hosting of the second
European Cancer Cluster Partnering
Conference. The 2009 event was staged
in France with great success (see the
website http://www.eccp2009.com/ for
more information).
Activities in the PipelineOslo Cancer Cluster fuses together cancer
research, healthcare infrastructure such
as the Cancer Registry and the biobanks,
with innovative biotechnology companies.
Oslo Cancer Cluster’s member companies
are strong in product development with
over 50 products in clinical trials, 10%
of the overall cancer products in clinical
trials worldwide. The cluster
has nearly 60 members
from the government,
research institutions, patient
organizations, life sciences
industry and hospitals from the
whole of Norway and abroad.
Oslo Cancer Cluster has
many projects and activities
in the pipeline, with member
companies excelling even
in time of global economic
uncertainty. This is spin-offs from
Norwegian research, including like Algeta
signing an USD 800 million (EUR 560
million) global agreement with Bayer for
development and commercialization
of Alpharadin for bone metastase,
the biggest deal in Norwegian biotec
industries. For more information:
www.oslocancercluster.no
Oslo Cancer Cluster (OCC) is a Norwegian Centre of Expertise (NCE), integrating members from both
the life science industry and research institutions. Its goal is to improve the lives of cancer patients by
accelerating the development of new cancer diagnostics and medicines.
oslo cancer cluster – improving people’s lives
By David John Smith
In order to gain and keep the cutting-
edge in cancer research activities, it
is critical to maintain a high level of
innovation-related activities. In keeping
with OCC´s continued dedication to
this vision, an agreement was signed
in the 3rd quarter of 2009 with the
Oslo City Council and the Norwegian
Radium Hospital to build a USD 200
million Cancer Innovation Park. Oslo
Cancer Cluster Innovation Park is
believed to be the largest investment
of its kind in Europe. In contrast to
other innovation parks, it will also
integrate a high school, including
the students in the research and the
development of the park.
Cancer Innovation Park
© O
CC
/Tho
mas
Bar
stad
Eck
hoff
Lance Armstrong with Bjarte Reve
during his visit to Oslo in autumn 2009.
26
cooperative effort jointly located at the
University of Oslo and the Oslo University
Hospital (Rikshospitalet).
The Oslo-based Centre has an
international outlook with a clear mission
to maintain a leading role to illuminate,
characterize and interpret the role of
DNA repair and genome maintenance
mechanisms in preventing neurological
disease, CNS infections and brain ageing.
The Centre will develop and apply stem
cell technology and targeted repair
to broaden the range of therapeutic
strategies in neurological disease.
According to Professor Tone Tønjum,
Director of CMBN, “Over the past few
years there has been an explosive
increase in knowledge about the brain
The Nansen Neuroscience Network is
being spearheaded by the University of
Oslo’s Centre for Molecular Biology and
Neuroscience (CMBN) and MI Lab in
Trondheim with support from Innovation
Norway. It can claim particular strengths
in brain physiology, in vivo neuroimaging,
memory and cognitive functions,
biomarkers and preventive medicine.
Understanding the intricate workings of
the brain and the central nervous system
(CNS) is one of the greatest challenges
to modern science and medicine, key to
a greater understanding of the human
organism and its complex structure.
The Centre for Molecular Biology and
Neuroscience (CMBN), a Norwegian
Centre of Excellence appointed by
the Research Council of Norway, is a
and the nervous system structure and
function, and about the different diseases,
and Norway has played a positive role
in this research.” Close cooperation
between the Centre´s 11 research
groups at the University of Oslo and Oslo
University Hospital is an integral element
of all activities undertaken. Nearly 200
researchers are involved, including a
number of international guest scientists
providing a highly dynamic and innovative
environment at the CMBN.
The famous Norwegian explorer, humanitarian and diplomat Fridtjof Nansen (1861-1930) also pioneered
routes to the mind and is the inspiration behind the new Nansen Neuroscience Network. One hundred and
twenty years ago, Nansen earned the first Norwegian doctorate degree in neuroscience. It presented a
revolutionary idea: that the brain consists of individual, separate nerve cells.
nansen neuroscience network – unlocking mysteries of the mind
By David John Smith & Susanne Werner
Peter Agre, Nobel Prize winner for his discovery of aquaporins
and President of the American Association for the Advancement
for Science (AAAS) states, “I’ve interacted closely with the
Oslo’s Centre for Excellence in Neuroscience CMBN and they’ve
got a dynamite team. Ole Petter Ottersen, the group leader,
has now been elected Rector of The University of Oslo, so his
younger scientists will have to step up in increasingly prominent
leadership roles. Norway should continue to invest and to look
for the human consequences of water transport in the brain.
And I think they are world leaders in this area.”
oslo region 27
The Oslo region plays a central role
in Norwegian efforts within marine
biotechnology. This has been the basis
for the establishment of MareLife, a
bio-marine member organization which
mobilizes leading representatives from
industry, R & D, venture capital groups and
the public to develop concrete projects
and cooperation within the Biomarine
sector.
Virtually Unlimited PotentialAccording to MareLife Project Manager
Øystein Lie, “Aquatic and marine genetic
resources are virtually unlimited if we
apply more knowledge-based sustainable
management.” Biomarine activities are
R&D and business “motors” in both
the regional and national context. Oslo
Teknopol was a key initiative driver
behind the establishment of MareLife.
The membership is truly cross sector,
embracing leading international players
and trend setters from industry, finance,
public and private investors, universities
and a range of science and technology
organizations.
Focus activities include common generic
R&D and innovation projects addressing
the big issues like aquaculture diseases,
sustainable feed resource exploitation,
understanding the structures and
dynamics of living aquatic resources. The
organization is also strongly involved in
communication and reputation building
and working at optimizing the frameworks
for the marine sector
For more information: www.marelife.no
Norway is one of the world leaders within aquaculture and bio-marine activities. With a coastline measuring
over 25,000 kilometers, this is a country that knows the sea, and it is home to two of the few fish breeding
companies worldwide; Aqua Gen for salmon and GenoMar for tilapia.
MareLife – saving the seas
By David John Smith
Active networks are critical to success,
and certainly the area of medical-
technical activities is no exception.
This is the background behind the
establishment of the Oslo Medtech,
a cluster initiative of companies,
hospitals, finance, and research
institutions in the Oslo region, focusing
on medical technology and working to
generate innovation and development
of products and services.
Medtech has taken a major step
forward as the result of the 2009
governmental decision to fund the
organization. According to Innovation
Director Kathrine Myhre, this is
an important development, “This
status means that funding is now
available that will assist this member
organization in meeting its ambitious
goals at an opportune point in time,
just as the Health sector is facing
major challenges with older wave, folk
illnesses, and focus on costs.”
Find more information about Oslo
Medtech here: www.oslomedtech.no
Oslo MedTech
MedCoast Scandinavia is a
Norwegian/Swedish network
organization with the aim to strengthen
and develop the biomedical sector in
the Göteborg-Oslo region.
The two local biomedical competence
networks in Göteborg and Oslo
respectively that bond together the
regions with the common vision of
being a leading biomedical region
in Europe. More information about
Medcoast Scandinavia at
www.medcoast.org
MedCoast Scandinavia
A tiny egg that will one day become a cod © Institute of Marine Research
28
Norway’s thousand year old capital is a
chameleon city, constantly renewing itself
and changing with the seasons. Oslo
combines some of the most fascinating
architectural juxtapositions in Europe –
witness, for example, the magnificent
Akershus fortress, which dates back to
the late 13th century, just a few minutes
walk from the city’s newest attraction, a
spectacular iceberg shaped opera house,
rising up majestically from the fjord.
Creativity with Class Cultural life in Oslo flourishes as never
before, with an impressive variety that
ranges from national institutions to artist-
driven studios, art spaces and venues,
with small groups and individuals creating
new expressions and experiences. This is
the fastest growing economic sector in the
Oslo region, showing the results of a city
in growth, with the increasing importance
of employment as well as the quality of
people’s everyday lives. According to Dr.
Erling Dokk Holm of the Oslo School of
Architecture and Design, “The economy
is driven by the attractiveness of a region,
and for development to be successful,
areas should be attractive even after
hours. Cultural industries play an
important role here.”
The world is taking notice, included as
the highest new entry in Monocle’s list
of “Most Liveable Cities”. Add to that
the fact that the magazine ‘Wallpaper’
has now included Oslo in its “Wallpaper
Guides” – the city has now claimed its
The coming of each season and the changing light seems to bring with it a new wave of activities to the
city. Autumn with its brilliant colours enliven inspire creativity as the slanting and changing light entices and
enhances city nightlife. Winter transforms, alive with theatre, art exhibitions, music, and the wide range
of artistic expressions. Springtime brings the city into bloom, and then the summer sun returns, the city
coming alive with festivals, concerts, and outdoor life as its very best.
creative oslo
By David John Smith & Ed Milsom
© Id
a N
æss
Wan
gen
Outside Blå, one of many creative spaces in Oslo.
29
place among the world’s hippest design
and architecture cities, culture, music and
art. This is an excellent signal, according
to Therese Holm Thorvaldsen, Cluster
Coordinator for Culture in Oslo Teknopol,
“The inclusion of Oslo by Monocle and
Wallpaper is a clear sign that the city’s
cultural diversity, creativity, and what it
has to offer both residents and visitors
is becoming more and more well-known
internationally.”
The Oslo region is a national magnet for
cultural industries, with twice as many
people employed in cultural industries
as the national average. An indication
of culture’s importance here has been
reflected in the establishment of the
Oslo Culture Network (OKN) as an
official member association. OKN is a
collaborative network of stakeholders
that aims to strengthen the cluster and
contribute to long-term growth through
international cooperation, marketing,
project development and other activities.
Cultural Giants Oslo is famous as the home of some of the
great literary and artistic figures of the 20th
century and beyond. The great sculptor
Gustav Vigeland designed over two
hundred sculptures in Vigeland Sculpture
Park, including the giant monolith and
plateau, depicting figures at various stages
in the ‘circle of life’ – from the embryo to
old age. The sometimes humorous and
emotion-laden statues, including the
famous Sinnatagen – the angry little boy
– are some of the most definitive works of
modern sculpture.
The father of modern drama, Henrik Ibsen,
has a museum dedicated to him in Oslo,
and his plays are performed regularly at
the Norwegian National Theatre. Edvard
Munch is prominently on display at
the National Gallery, which houses an
extensive collection of Norwegian and
international art and sculpture including a
number of well-known works by French
impressionists.
© T
ore
H. R
øyne
land
Anselm Kiefer, Zweistromland/The High Priestess, 1986-89. 370 x 780 x 50 cm. 183 lead books in 2 steel bookcases, copper wire, glass, photographs and various organic
materials. Astrup Fearnley Collection, Oslo, Norway.
30
Munch, famous for his painting The
Scream, and Madonna, naturally exhibited
at Tøyen´s Munch Museum - and part
of a major city initiative that will see
the museum moved as part of the
development of a “City within a City”
(see separate article) at Bjørvika. The
architecture promises to be nothing less
than astounding, with the new Munch
Museum (architect Juan Herreros) to be
joined by the Opera and Ballet House
already in place (architect: Snøhetta);
joined by architecture by Sverre Fehn
(National Museum of Architecture), Renzo
Piano (Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern
Art) and Lund Hagen (the Deichmanske
Library).
History and ArtAccording to Oslo Teknopol’s trend analyst
Sondre Sommerfelt, another “must see”
is the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern
Art, Oslo’s own Moma or Tate Modern,
“Astrup Fearnley is a museum that must
not be missed. Located in the offices
of shipping dynasty Astrup Fearnley, it
will soon get its own landmark by star
architect Renzo Piano by the seafront.
The museum has a high reputation in the
modern art scene as they have been very
clever to catch latest trends and at the
covering every imaginable historical
period, movement, taste and sensibility.
Amongst the highlights is the Nobel Peace
Centre, which was opened in 2005 to
coincide with the centenary of Norway’s
independence.
Elsewhere, Norway’s proud Viking and
maritime history is explored at Bygdøy,
same time keep a steady profile which
focus on young and experimental art from
both sides of the Atlantic.”
The National Gallery is part of an
overwhelmingly extensive museum scene
in Oslo. Indeed, it is almost impossible
to count the number of museums
packed into the city and its environs,
The creative culture in the Oslo region
also extends to cuisine in all forms,
in restaurants as well as innovative
initiatives such as at the Vulkan
(Volcano), with a food hall under
development where manufacturers,
merchants, chefs, food boutiques and
deli managers, as well as all types of
food enthusiasts will be able to meet
and share experiences
www.vulkanoslo.no
Creativity in all Formats
DogA was established by Norsk Form
and the Norwegian Design Council in
2004, as a meeting place for design,
architecture and related subject
areas. The old transformer station
in Hausmanns gate 16 is an arena
for large and small architecture and
design exhibitions, conferences and
meetings, as well as a shop, café and
restaurant. Hausmanns gate 16 was
awarded the National Building Prize
in 2006, the City Prize in 2007 and
St. Olav’s Rose, and the hallmark of
Norwegian heritage, in 2008.
www.doga.no
DogA
oslo region 31
Tariq Ali, Zadie Smith, Dave Eggers and
more than a hundred Norwegian scholars
and writers have all put in appearances at
the House of Literature, which has proved
popular, attracting more than 150,000
visitors. Also on site are a café, specialist
bookshop, and a loft with fifty available
working spaces for writers.
is one of the house’s most important
supporters. In a national context, the
House of Literature has become an
increasingly important centre for public
debate.
with museums including The Norwegian
Maritime Museum, The Kon-Tiki Museum
and The Viking Ship Museum, which
presents the world’s two best preserved
Viking ships, built in the 9th century,
as well as a collection of artefacts from
Gokstad, Oseberg, Tune and various
Viking tombs from around the Oslo
fjord. Built in oak, these Viking ships and
artefacts show the beautiful aesthetics of
the Viking craftsmen and are proof that
these people were not just barbarians.
LiteratureFor literature enthusiasts and writers, Oslo
has a new, unique status in Europe. A
dedicated, five-storey House of Literature
(Litteraturhus) was established in 2007
at the site of Oslo’s former teacher
training college. Houses of literature are
in themselves a rarity, especially outside
Germany, and Oslo’s Litteraturhus is the
largest and perhaps best equipped in
Europe. Designed as a meeting place for
lovers of books, reading and literature, it
has already attracted a host of well-known
fiction and non-fiction writers as speakers.
Amongst them are some of the world’s
most controversial and revolutionary
thinkers, in keeping with the ideals of the
Freedom of Expression Foundation, which
The Famous Gokstad Ship at the Vikingship Museum.
32
Where does one begin to explain the
synergies of music in Oslo? Where
music as diverse as jazz, pop, classical,
rockabilly, death metal and rock have
found a home? Where entrepreneurs
and purists have worked together in
transcending musical borders and creating
a veritable Garden of Eden? One good
place to start is with the Artistic Director of
the coming Pop Center (Popsenteret) Paal
Ritter Schjerven, who finally can see the
dreams of such a centre coming true after
six years of hard work.
Schjerven has long been an active figure
on the music and cultural scene, and the
scene has never been more active than
in Oslo at the present time. According to
Schjerven, “Oslo has a music environment
that must be experienced to be believed.
Literally all music genres are represented;
there are a lot of places to arrange gigs.
Music enthusiasts really do have a wide
range of excellent music to choose from
on any given day, all through the year. The
main reason for this is that there are a lot
of enthusiasts who live and die for making
live music events at smaller and bigger
clubs, festivals and events! And now Oslo
works hard to make facilities for music
rehearsal, recording and performing easily
accessible.”
The latest addition to the music scene
in Oslo has been the November 2009
establishment of “The Association of
Music Interests in Oslo”, also known as
“Oslo Music Metropole”. With the support
of Oslo Teknopol, the major music
stakeholders in the city have established
The vitality of the Oslo music scene must be experienced first hand to be fully appreciated. Imagine yourself
standing in the centre of town at Youngstorget, with 30 of the most important venues to be found within a
five-minute walk; in a city where there is more live music than anywhere else in Scandinavia – only rivalled
by metropolises like London or New York.
the sound of oslo
By David John Smith & Ed Milsom
Kriss Kross will make you Jump! Jump!
© R
icha
rd E
rikse
n
oslo region 33
this organization in recognition of the
importance live music has upon the urban
life and ongoing development of the city.
Oslo Music Metropole will play a central
role in the future of this “Live Music Capital
of Scandinavia”.
A Musical VillageThere are several projects that have been
close to the heart of Schjerven’s activities
over the years, the most recent being the
establishment of a Pop Center in 2010
that will complement the Rehearsal Hotel
opened in 2009, both parts of the Cultural
Brewery. The Rehearsal Hotel is, like The
Pop Center, managed by the Oslo City
Agency of Cultural Affairs, and is available
for literally everyone who is in need of
rehearsal space.
Schjerven continues, “It is the vision of
the music environment and the Oslo
government to create a musical village
within the city, one that will attract
musicians, tourists, and of course the
local population to a creative and artistic
environment.”
The Pop Center will include exhibits,
interactive activities and a deep and
entertaining look into Norwegian popular
musical history. Outdoors, there will be
a restaurant and stages featuring local,
national and international artists.
The active participation and support of
the city government has been noticed
and much appreciated by musicians
and music lovers alike, as Schjerven
indicated, “The City of Oslo showed
vigour and determination to build a much-
needed housing for the preservation,
dissemination, exchange and development
of all genres in popular music! And
there is a lot of enthusiasm in the music
industry and among interested audiences
regarding these projects.”
www.popsenteret.no
The Festival CityThe Øya (Island) Festival is a yearly
mega-music fest held in the medieval park
adjacent to the ultra modern Opera House.
The event was a huge success again in
2009, drawing well over 60,000 people on
hand to see hundreds of bands over a five-
day period. Thousands of volunteers and
a seasoned organization committee are on
hand to assure the smooth running of this
multi-venue event, which will be held again
in 2010 from August 10th to the 14th.
Oslo summer at its best and music all day
Øyafestival, Norway’s biggest music festival is held every August by the seaside at Bjørvika. On stage Arctic Monkeys in 2009.
© E
rik M
ohol
dt/Ø
yafe
tival
en
34
and all night at the 2010 Øya Festival is
something that should not be missed.
Oslo is host to musical festivals spring,
summer, autumn and winter, and there
perhaps is no better reason than to visit
Oslo during long winter twilight than
by:Larm, a yearly Norwegian music
conference and festival held for the first
time in 1998 in Trondheim. In 2009 more
than 500 separate “gigs” (concerts) were
staged in addition to the conference
that included workshops, seminars and
keynote speakers. Held every year in
February, it is Scandinavia’s largest music
convention. by:Larm is a festival that
began in other cities of Norway, but now
has found a home here in the capital city,
with plans to keep it here for at least two
more years.
The event spans three days and consists
of seminars, lectures and workshops
during the day and concerts in the
evenings. The concerts include new and
upcoming but as of yet still unknown
bands – and the result is always a
breakthrough for a number of bands who
perform at by:Larm. The conference itself
is attended by nearly 1,000 people from
both within and outside the music industry.
Approximately 800 business people from
Norway, the rest of Scandinavia and
other countries took part in the 2009
event. One new aspect of the event is the
awarding of a scholarship made possible
by a grant from StatoilHydro. The grant
of approximately EUR 100,000 aims
to give young talent a better chance to
market themselves and to make an impact
internationally. The 2009 recipient, Mathias
Eick, is from the Garbarek “School
of Jazz” – a mainstay in the new jazz
generation and a victor in this competition
over pop and rock musicians – again
showing the diversity of talent and cultures
in this musical city.
According to Festival Manager Joakim
Haugland, “The export of new Norwegian
bands and artists to the international
market is always an important focus for
by: Larm, in addition to working with the
Norwegian music industry to continue to
strengthen the ‘bridge’ to the international
environment. The by: Larm festival makes
this possible by setting the stage for
upcoming artists and bands to show their
talents to the music business industry.”
Something for Everyone In October and November each year,
the Oslo World Music Festival brings
international stars to the city. The popular
festival shows the international flavour
of the city, and includes some of the
city’s most popular venues, including
Rockefeller, Sentrum Scene and the
Nasjonal Jazzscene.
Rock and metal are extremely popular
throughout Scandinavia, and the heaviest
of heavy metal and rock bands – many of
which hail from Norway – visit the Easter
“Inferno Festival”, The summer festival
“Norwegian Wood” also feature well-
known names and international music
stars.
Jazz lovers are often overwhelmed by the
possibilities on offer in Oslo. From small,
specialist record stores and cafes, such
as the popular “Bare Jazz” café in the
city centre, to larger concert venues and
annual festivals, including the six day jazz
extravaganza, the Oslo Jazz Festival, held
in August each year. Jazz is an important
part of Oslo life, with many young and
established artists based in the city. The
Oslo Jazz Festival is also famous for the
wide range of related musical genres,
including electronica, gospel, blues and
latin jazz. Jazz parades through Oslo’s
centre and concerts especially for children
are also featured as part of this city’s
musical offerings to all ages.
The annual multi-venue music celebration
Music Day Oslo takes place on the first
Saturday in June and has its background
in the French event Fête de la Musique,
which is also held each year in June. As
with the other nearly 100 music days
worldwide, Music Day Oslo mainly takes
place at outdoor venues – and everything
is free to the public. The size of the event
has grown dramatically in recent years
from 10 in the late nineties to almost 40
different venues in 2009.
Classically World-ClassOslo’s classical music scene has always
garnered respect the world over. The
opening, in 2008, of one of the world’s
finest new opera houses was greeted
with international acclaim. “I am confident
that through international cooperation the
new opera house and its many artists and
professions – onstage and backstage –
will increase interest in Oslo and Norway,”
said Norwegian Foreign Minister, Jonas
Gahr Støre. There is little doubt that he is
right – already the opera has proved a sell-
out attraction, with people coming from
around the world to see productions such
as Verdi’s Don Carlo and Bizet’s Carmen.
oslo region 35
The Opera House is also becoming
well-known for a different type of event
– absolutely free to the public. Keep your
eyes open for cultural music events on the
roof of the Opera House – an experience
not to be missed.
Another musical experience to be taken
in is the Café de Concert. Here the aim
is to present classical music to a larger
audience by creating a more relaxed
atmosphere. The idea behind Café de
Concert is that classical music can once
again become a main vein of popular
music, as days gone by. For more
information, see www.cafedeconcert.no
Oslo itself is host to a number of
respected international ensembles and
artists. The Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
tours worldwide, as well as performing
regularly at the Oslo Concert House, and
has won awards including the Grand Prix
du Disque and the German Classical
Music Award. The Oslo Chamber Music
Festival showcases the best Norwegian
artists, including jazz saxophonist Jan
Garbarek, cellist Truls Mørk and a number
of ensembles including the Norwegian
Baroque Orchestra. One of the most
exciting string quartets of recent times,
the Leipzig String Quartet also visited Oslo
during the 2009 festival.
The bottom-line is that when you are in
Oslo – or when you have a chance to be in
Oslo – make the most of that opportunity
and take in one or more of the 5,000 yearly
musical events here in the city.
The outside roof is also a well used and popular space at the Oslo Opera house.
© D
en N
orsk
e O
pera
og
Bal
lett
/Erik
Ber
g
36
A renaissance is classically defined
as a revival of intellectual or artistic
achievements and activity. Within modern
music, it is commonly accepted that a
primary renaissance took place between
1951 and 1971. Steven Van Zandt, guitarist
Little Steven to his music fans, and Silvio
Dante to his “Soprano” fans, was part
of those roots, continues to work on the
cutting-edge of creative work that will last
for generations.
The Oslo connection is a strong one, with
the first band on his Wicked Records
recording label coming from this city. The
band, the Cocktail Slippers, consists of
five musicians from Oslo who first played
at Van Zandt’s Underground Garage
Festival in New York. With straight-
forward rock, harmonies and melodies,
the Cocktail Slippers are quickly beginning
to establish themselves on both sides
of the Atlantic. This is one important
aspect of the music here that gives Van
Zandt reason to believe that Oslo is on
the shores of a music renaissance. In his
continuing quest to bring the heart of rock
and roll to the people – especially youth –
he views Norway as a fertile ground for the
development of up and coming musicians.
Oslo Calling Van Zandt and Oslo Teknopol’s CEO Knut
Halvorsen share a love for music, and have
had ongoing discussions concerning the
recently opened “Rehearsal Hotel” (see
the article “The Sound of Oslo” in this
issue) centring on a major international
studio being developed here. Regarding
the establishment of such a major state-
of-the-art music studio as part of the
Rehearsal Hotel, Van Zandt is cautiously
optimistic, “I am impatient, I want things
to happen quickly – and move a hundred
miles an hour – but you have to do it right.
Oslo has major musical possibilities, but
you only get one chance in this industry –
and it has to work the first time.”
“Little Steven” knows the international
music world, and continues in no
uncertain terms concerning the
possibilities here, “The Oslo studio must
be one that will not only gain the attention
of international bands – but will have the
quality to bring them back to the city. We
have the international contact network, but
only the top quality is good enough.”
It seems a long way from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s roots in the New Jersey beach resort
of Asbury Park to the fjords and mountains of Norway. But the Norwegian link with Steven Van Zandt is not
to be denied, a musical and cultural exchange that benefits the already strong Oslo music scene.
renaissance man - interwiew with Steven Van Zandt
By David John Smith
oslo region 37
The Jersey Shore SoundThis love of musical diversity came early to
Van Zandt. Growing up in the state of New
Jersey in the United States, Jersey Shore
– the beach counties – was his home.
Early memories included spending hours
listening to the radio; first as a child and
then a young man.
His destiny was defined, but there was
much work to be done. When asked
if he knew at the time that the music
he was part of creating - the ‘Jersey
Shore Sound’ – Little Steven replied,
“The electricity was in the air, and a lot
happened very quickly, especially at The
Upstage in Asbury Park, an alcohol-
free club that allowed musicians to jam
together until five in the morning. If you
were good enough, you got paid. I wanted
to play music, and the only way to get
there was hard work.”
Van Zandt took that inspiration and
learned his art of music with a creative
fury, assuming a central role in the
development of the Jersey Shore Sound,
best defined as a fusion of pre-Beatles
rock and pre-Motown rhythm and
blues. He was one of the co-founders of
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes,
a band that brought a new twist to the
rock genre by bringing in a horn section,
bringing soul into the mainstream of rock
and roll.
Then, as they say, fate came calling.
Van Zandt met Bruce Springsteen, later
teaming up as a rock solid part of the E
Street Band making music that would
define a generation. Van Zandt felt destiny
in the air, “I knew then that I was going to
be rock star. When I first started playing
with Bruce, Southside Johnny and some
of the E Street members, it was not a
question of if we were going to make it – it
was when. Things were happening quickly
and we all wanted to be a part of it.”
Beyond the Music Van Zandt has always been more than his
music, an engaging, complicated, creative
and outspoken advocate of causes and
ideas. In the 1980’s he worked closely
with the anti-apartheid movement that
eventually brought Nelson Mandela to
leadership in South Africa, something of
which Van Zandt is understandably proud.
The Cocktail Slippers.
38
Instrumental in the establishment in
“Artists United Against Apartheid”,
organized as an active protest against the
Sun City resort in South Africa, Van Zandt
brought together the top recording artists
of the mid-1980’s to record his song “Sun
City”. Nearly fifty recording artists that
included Springsteen, U2 and Bob Dylan
assembled to record the song as well as
the album of the same name. All involved
in the project vowed to never play at the
resort of the same name, which at the
time was a bastion for apartheid in South
Africa. This was the solidarity that defines
Steven Van Zandt.
This is the type of solidarity and fellowship
possibilities that interest Van Zandt when
it comes to the city of Oslo and the Oslo
music scene. According to Van Zandt,
“The working climate of Scandinavia
allows people the possibilities to explore
their creativity – a positive balance that the
city of Oslo has taken into account in their
efforts to bring music into the creative lives
of people living here. The roots of music
are important – this is what motivates me,
and this is where I see Oslo as potentially
an important international music centre.”
Silvio Dante and the Underground Garage Spreading the word of the roots of rock
through his internationally syndicated
weekly radio show “Underground Garage”
is one of the passions that drives Van
Zandt. The programme features rock and
roll – old and new – dedicated to bringing
roots of rock closer to youth and aging
alike. According to Van Zandt, “Keeping
rock and roll alive is my new activism,
communicating what I first experienced
when I saw the Beatles or listened to
bands such as the Dave Clark 5 – the
feeling of community, brotherhood,
solidarity – and great music. It is my way
of saying thank you, and to celebrate a
career that has come full circle back to the
roots of rock.”
To all generations of people who
watch television, Steven Van Zandt is
synonymous with Silvio Dante, the loyal,
tough and thinking right-hand man to the
top boss in the show ‘Sopranos’. For
those familiar with this hit show, Silvio is
known for his quiet confidence who says
things like, “Last year I made bail so fast,
my soup was still warm when I got home.”
Full Circle Things indeed do come full circle. At the
age of 13 he was given a guitar by his
grandfather – a guitar that quickly and
mysteriously disappeared for over 40
years until it was returned to him in 2008.
The guitar had evidently been passed
along to a number of ‘owners’ until it made
its way back to Van Zandt. In all the years
of music since he first had picked up
that treasured guitar as a teenager, Van
Zandt hasn’t changed – he is still creative,
restless, and he still wants to change the
world through his work.
With such an illustrious career achieved
within music, acting and service to society,
the final question to Van Zandt was
almost obvious – What in the world is left
to achieve for this Renaissance man? “I
have learned from the American Indian’s
philosophy of ‘Seven Generation Thinking’
that many things do take time. It is only
when you hold out and are willing to totally
commit that greatness can eventually
arrive. Even so, I have only accomplished
1% of what is in my head, so there is a
lot left to do.” There are many people
in Oslo that look forward to Steven Van
Zandt accomplishing some of that here in
Norway’s capital.
oslo region 39
The positive local effect on the Oslo region
will be enormous. Over several weeks
in May 2010, thousands of journalists
will descend upon the city of Oslo to
prepare their reports to the millions in
their respective homelands. Then, the
125 million viewers will tune in – and NRK,
the city of Oslo, the country on Norway,
and artists representing 42 European
countries, will be in the spotlight for an
evening of competition, culture and music.
It will put on display the rising professional
competence that has developed in the
Oslo region the last decades – focusing on
education and technology and at the same
time stimulating culture.
The Eurovision Song Contest has been
held every year since 1956. The event has
primarily been a European phenomenon.
Over the course of the 55 years a number
of international legends have sprung from
victories, including ABBA and Celine Dion.
A Fairytale Come TrueThis winner of this one of a kind event
is decided by a jury – and the public
themselves. Each participating country
stages their own qualification event –
where the winner is also decided by the
public – with the vote taking place by
telephone after all entrants each have
performed their respective songs. The
international final – the Eurovision Song
Contest – is staged in just the same way,
with each participating country conducting
a popular vote and then reporting the
results. The votes from each country can
go to any nation’s artist – except their own.
The 2009 event produced a historic victory
by Norway’s Alexander Rybak with the
song “Fairytale” - historic regarding both
the total number of points received as well
as the margin of victory. This charismatic
young artist from Oslo has singlehandedly
raised the international level of interest
around this unique event to an all-time
high. A separate article in this issue
regards this talented young Oslo artist.
Bigger than the Super Bowl During the past several decades, NRK
has had the chance to reach out to the
world several times, most notably as host
broadcaster of the 1994 Lillehammer
Olympics, where IOC President Juan
Samaranch declared, “…the best
Olympic Winter Games ever.” This type of
praise in not given lightly, and was taken
seriously by NRK, the lasting effect of the
successful project being a profound surge
forward as NRK’s collective creativity and
technical expertise reached new heights.
The opportunity for NRK to reach out to
the world from Norway presents itself
again in 2010 as the host broadcaster
for the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest,
in close cooperation with the European
Broadcasting Union (EBU). This annual
event is seen by many as being “bigger
than the Super Bowl”, and if one looks at
the sheer numbers, there are arguments
for this statement. In terms of pure
viewership, the Eurovision surpasses the
Super Bowl by over 20 million, itself a
global event with approximately 100 million
viewers.
The Oslo region attracts talent and experience within a wide range of careers. One of the most attractive
employers in the cultural sector is the Norwegian National Broadcasting Corporation (NRK). One evening in
May 2010, nearly 125 million people will gather in front of their television set to view a program transmitted
by over 300 broadcasters worldwide – the Eurovision Song Contest, hosted here in Oslo, by NRK.
sharing the moment – the 2010 eurovision song contest
By David John Smith
40
Project of Olympian Proportions The event is a major opportunity for the
national broadcaster NRK – bringing
together a talented pool of individuals for
an event that is of Olympian proportions.
Executive Producer Jon Ola Sand was
a natural choice with his extensive
experience and success in television
project management from both NRK
as well as TV2, the second largest
broadcaster in Norway (after NRK).
Guiding the project to conclusion on
time and within a budget of nearly EUR
25 million is a challenge that Sand
welcomes. According to Sand, “This is
an enormous task, one that I approach
with a combination of enthusiasm and
humility. The importance of this project for
NRK must not be underestimated, and the
talented professionals recruited are the
most impressive and all-encompassing
since the organization was the host
broadcaster for the Winter Olympics in
Lillehammer fifteen years ago.”
The producer of the Eurovision show, the
actual television event that will be seen
by millions upon millions in Europe and
beyond, is Hasse Lindmo, a television
veteran with a background as television
event and series producer. Lindmo says,
“Any event of this size requires a close-
knit team where the emphasis is on
allowing everyone to utilize the best of
their creative, technical and professional
talents, while at the same time providing
guidance necessary to stay the course.”
Lindmo continues, “Creativity must
go hand-in-hand with the technical
requirements – all the time keeping in mind
that our main target group is the millions of
television viewers sitting in their homes in
the many countries where the event will be
broadcast in Europe and worldwide. This
focus on the viewer has been provided the
basis for the 2010 Eurovision slogan Share
the Moment.”
Sharing the Moment The slogan, “Share the Moment”, reflects
the importance of the event for the viewers
themselves – a cross-cultural, multi-
national, all-age group of people with one
thing in common – the love, curiosity and
fascination for this annual event. NRK will
reach out from Oslo and Norway as the
host to speak to the millions gathered
together – and in one brief span of only a
few hours in May 2010 will gather much of
the world together, sharing the moment.
The Eurovision Song Contest is similar
to the Super Bowl in more ways than the
astronomical number of viewers who tune
in. As with the Super Bowl, where groups
gather together to watch the event – the
evening of the Eurovision often sees
multi-generational groups of friends and
family celebrating together – and of course
rooting for their favourite country or artist.
The 2010 Eurovision Song Contest
provides NRK with the opportunity to
present revolutionary use of technology
in showcasing participating artists in this
one of a kind event, reflecting the fact
that the world is getting smaller, and that
major events provide opportunities to
make contact and build cultural bridges
across international borders. The potential
of the media is something that plays an
important role in the globalization process,
a media potential that the national
broadcaster NRK will carefully develop
and then display for millions on one night
in May 2010
oslo region 41
With a television audience of 125
million people, this event is a cultural
phenomenon in a class by itself. Rybak’s
2009 victory in the event held in Moscow
was a milestone – he won not only with
the largest number of votes ever – but by
the largest margin, almost twice as many
votes as the runner up.
The Minsk – Oslo Connection For this young man, music is as natural as
breathing. His mother Natalia plays piano,
his father Igor plays violin, and music was
in his home and in his blood from the day
he was born. Born in Belarus’ capital city
of Minsk, Rybak moved to the Nesodden
suburb of Oslo when he was four years
old, a suburb where people commute
across the fjord by ferry to the city centre.
Alexander began to play violin and piano
at the age of five, gaining inspiration
from Russian composers such as Sergei
Rachmaninoff and others. As time passed,
the talented young man focused more on
the violin, with a love for the instrument in
all types of music – classical, folk, popular
– beginning to grow as Alexander saw the
similarities of the violin in many different
cultures. Alexander has worked hard
with his music all his life, but as he says,
“Although it is hard work, it is something
that I love to do – so that makes it fun,
creative, and always an important part of
my life.”
On the Fast Track The violin became his primary form of
musical expression, studying under a
number of talented teachers. In 2002,
at the age of just 15, he was awarded a
scholarship to study in the USA, where
he was selected to participate in a Master
Class with Pinchas Zukerman. Through
his teenage years he continued to develop
aa a musician through study and practice;
as well as playing in a wide range of
festivals and concerts; and as soloist with
orchestras such as the Minsk Chamber
Orchestra and the NRK Norwegian Radio
Orchestra.
The Oslo region is known for it musical and artistic creativity. One such creative person is Alexander Rybak,
who has now assumed a top role as musical ambassador in his capacity as the reigning 2009 Eurovision
Song Contest winner. Victory in this event is one of the most sought after prizes in the music world, and this
young Oslo artist claimed it with style in 2009.
shining star
By David John Smith
© F
redi
rk A
rff
42
In 2005 and onwards, things began to
happen even faster as Rybak competed
in the national “Idol” competition and then
the following year won the national NRK
talent competition “Kjempessjansen”
(The Big Chance!), all the time touring
with different well-known musicians and
singers. In 2008, he gained celebrity
status in the northwest of Norway as he
travelled around the islands of Valderøy,
Vigra, and Godøy, playing concerts in
exchange for accommodation and food,
getting to know well the local people there.
The Love of Music This love of music and the people led to an
even greater demand for this young man,
who showed that money wasn’t everything
– music is what matters. According to
Alexander, “Classical music will always
be the most important music for me, and
as people know there often isn’t a lot of
money in performing classical music. That
is not what is important, what matters
is being able to continue to explore the
music and to keep improving. For me, it
is as much fun to play for a small group of
people in a church or a local community
house as it is to play in a big venue.”
Even so, big venues were in Alexander’s
future. It was in 2008 that he met music
expert, trend-setter, and TV personality
Per Sundnes; and the two sat down and
listened to a composition that the young
man had written called “Fairytale”. As
Alexander remembers his first meetings
with Per, “I knew that ‘Fairytale’ was a
good song, but when Per told me that it
was good enough to win the Norwegian
Eurovision competition – and even the
European competition – I was sceptical.
Still, as I began to work more with Per and
the team, I began to believe, and to just
have fun.”
A Fairytale Alexander was having fun. In early 2009,
he won the Norwegian final of Eurovision
competition by a wide margin, and then
in May of the same year he won the
Eurovision Song Contest. This victory
has opened new worlds for Alexander
Rybak, but his feet are still firmly planted
on the ground. As he says, “I know that
the popularity I have enjoyed by winning
Eurovision may never repeat itself. I try
to keep it all in perspective. The victory
has given me the possibility to travel and
play my music in places I never dreamed
possible, and to meet people from all over
the world.”
It has also given him the chance to learn
more about Norway’s capital, “Here in
Oslo, I now have the chance to explore
the city, something that I never really
had the opportunity to do before. I am
always discovering new areas for me, like
Bislett, where I can seem to be in the city
one moment and then in a beautiful park
overlooking the city the next moment. My
goal is now to buy my first apartment and
have a small music studio where I can
compose and play my music.”
The reigning Eurovision winner, talented
violinist, composer, singer and actor
belongs right here in Oslo, but at least
for now, he is a man of the world. In the
creative atmosphere of Oslo, things can
happen very fast, especially for those who
have prepared, which Alexander has done
well.
Synnøve Svabø, Per Sundnes and Rybak (Svabø
and Sundnes were the Norwegian commentators in
2009).
© O
le K
alan
d/N
RK
oslo region 43
© P
rivat
e
Growing up in Bodø in northern Norway,
Sundnes spent many an evening tuned
into NRK – either radio or television.
Reflects Sundnes, “When I was
approached to take over the reins of the
national portion of the Eurovision project
in 2007, I jumped at the chance. This is
something that I grew up with, Eurovision
is an institution, and there is nothing that I
have enjoyed more than travelling around
Norway interviewing people and working
with this project during the last several
years.”
Analysis and Creativity As the Master of Ceremonies for the
last several national broadcasts of the
Norwegian finals, he has worked closely
with a wide range of artists. It was in 2008
that he met Alexander Rybak, who would
take Europe by storm just a year later
in the Eurovision finals in Russia. Once
Rybak won the Norwegian competition in
early 2009, Sundnes knew that this was a
talent that could win the entire European
contest, and the teamwork was put into
high gear.
Sundnes explains, “What I do is a
combination of artistry, pure analytical
hard work, and teamwork. I surrounded
Alexander with the best talents available
both within NRK and outside in terms of
choreographers, dancers, musicians,
make-up artists, wardrobe designers, and
so on. Then I told Alexander to just work
hard – and have fun. Not to worry about
what the final result would be in Russia
in May 2009. I knew that with the solid
backing of the team Alexander would
shine as the pure artist that he is, and
that he would take home the victory to
Norway.”
Pure Magic “When you listen to his song that won,
‘Fairytale’, it has a magical quality about
it – and you can see on his face that he
is just enjoying every moment. Alexander
worked for this huge success from when
he was just a very young man, practicing
his music when others were out having
fun. Now it is his turn. Just before he was
going to go on stage in Moscow for the
final, Alexander turned to me and said, ‘I
am not worried about winning, now I am
just going to have fun’. I replied, ‘Fun! You
are going to win this thing.’ And then he
and his team went out and did it!”
This is the type of success and creativity
that is one of the trademarks of the Oslo
region – shown in the wide range of
people that come from not only all over
Norway, but all over the world.
Per Sundnes is known as a “communication bridge” between different cultural, artistic and musical
interests. Important to Sundnes is each individual involved in any project – making up a successful team.
teamwork
By David John Smith
44
Norway and Oslo are highly committed
to become an even more competitive
and knowledge-based region. The
Oslo region gets top scores on lifelong
learning, working population with tertiary
education and public R&D expenses per
capita. It is also among Europe’s most
developed regions in relation to high-tech
employment and innovation cooperation in
medium-sized enterprises.
The European Innovation Scoreboard
shows that Norway is one of the most
innovative countries in Europe.
Oslo Innovation WeekAll this comes together in week 42
each year as the Oslo Innovation
Week (OIW) brings together investors,
entrepreneurs, scientists and business
managers. Together they converge on
Oslo to put innovation, creativity, and
the accompanying financial benefits in
the spotlight. Typically, Oslo Innovation
Week consists of a number of events
focusing on subjects within innovation and
business politics. The idea is to create
platforms for entrepreneurs, investors
and knowledge environments from which
they can promote new ideas and growth.
As a core part of the 2009 event, the
important role of innovation was applied
to Norway’s future as linked to the
resources found along the country’s long
coastline, which can be used for both
renewable energy and food production.
OIW addressed the challenges and the
opportunities related to the need for
a clear national vision for how to best
use these resources, as well as the
necessity to increase R&D investments.
The opening symposium and the
following week’s events reflected the
knowledge environment in the Oslo region
and the force behind an international
level of R&D in a number of specialist
areas. With short distances and a
transparent community, it is natural to
develop interdisciplinary collaboration.
There were more than 25 events
staged in the Oslo region throughout
the OIW, including an ICT Conference;
an ‘Innovation Camp’ that brought
together the best minds from the regional
secondary schools; a Lab Investment
Forum; a ‘Business & Industry Day’
hosted by the Norwegian Design Council;
and an Entrepreneur Day focused on
the internationalization process – hosted
by VentureLab, Connect, Birkeland
Innovation and Innovation Norway. In
2010 OIW will take place for the 5th
time between Octber 18th and 22nd.
The Oslo region places great emphasis on innovation, and this is put on display every year during the Oslo
Innovation Week.
oslo innovation week
By David John Smith
Oslo’s main street, Karl Johan, during Oslo Innovation
Week 2009
© T
or L
ie
oslo region 45
Jøran Kallmyr, Commissioner for Transport,
Environmental Affairs and Business, City of Oslo, at
Oslo City Hall during Oslo Innovation Week 2009.
© T
or L
ie
In keeping with one of the important
undercurrents of the OIW – the
environment as related to innovation
– the topic of “Service Innovation for a
Green Economy” was a well-attended
event hosted by the Norwegian School
of Management, Abelia, OREEC (Oslo
Renewable Energy and Environment
Cluster), and the Norwegian Centre of
Expertise in Energy and Emissions Halden.
In addition, Kjeller Innovation Park hosted
a full day event with a definite future
aspect – ‘Research, Environment and the
Climate Perspective in the year 2050’.
Championing InnovationThe Oslo region has seen a strong
growth of actors in the regional innovation
support system in recent years. This
system is made up of 23 different actors,
Academia + Business = CommercializationThe ‘bridge’ between academia and
the business environment is central in
innovative and creative cultures, and
the Oslo region is known for its ability
to unite these areas in the process
of commercializing R&D efforts. This
was a topic in the event ‘Cooperation
between Academia and Business’,
hosted by the University of Oslo and
Birkeland Innovation. The Norwegian
University of Life Sciences organized an
event that addressed other cooperative
possibilities: “How can universities best
cooperate with local and regional business
and industry?” The participation from
business sector on both events was
very high. Both were over booked.
The medical R&D environment was
also well represented with a seminar
hosted by Akershus University Hospital
related to the medical technology;
and the Oslo University Hospital
together with NHIIN (Norwegian
Health and IT Innovation Network)
covering the areas of digital services
and personal information protection.
including technology transfer offices,
science parks, business incubators,
venture capitalists and a range of other
companies and programs providing
support and assistance in the process of
commercializing research based ideas
and helping entrepreneurs developing
their businesses into the international
market place. The Oslo region champions
innovative activities – and the annual Oslo
Innovation Week is quickly becoming an
important yearly milestone in the close
cooperation of the region’s business, R&D,
educational, and political organizations
and institution. For more information
regarding the OIW, see the website:
www.oiw.no or contact Oslo Teknopol.
46
“Mega-regions are large-scale economic
units of multiple large cities and their
surrounding suburbs,” as defined by
Richard Florida, author of “The Rise of
the Creative Class”. This concept is a
fundamental building block in the ongoing
creative class exchange, and the region
stretching from Oslo in the north to Malmö,
Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark in
the south is part of this Mega-region trend.
Already the region has much in common,
with extremely high levels of educated
inhabitants, with a high quality of life and a
common focus on such areas of business
as the life sciences, ICT, energy and
environment and maritime.
Vision 2025 Tying this region together physically is
a vision of the year 2025 – not so far in
the distant future – when a high-speed
rail connection will contribute to making
this one of the world’s most competitive
regions. The high-speed rail line will
connect this mega-region of 8 million
inhabitants, allowing a traveller to leave
the Oslo Central Station and arrive in
Copenhagen approximately 140 minutes
later.
COINCO North COINCO North consist of 15 partners
including the major cities of Oslo,
Göteborg, Copenhagen and Malmö,
regional organizations and the rail
authorities, EU funding and Oslo Teknopol.
COINCO North looks at projects in relation
to the entire region – thinking about
networks and dynamics instead of isolated
projects and activities. This is in line with
the EU’s new TEN-T strategy where the
focus has been to establish a planning
model to ensure rapid development and
linking national infrastructure systems to
a coherent European network. COINCO
North is striving to be a pioneer project in
this respect.
The year is 2025. Oslo is connected by high-speed rail to Copenhagen. Eight hours travel has been reduced
to 140 minutes. The Oslo-Göteborg-Copenhagen corridor is one of the most attractive mega-regions in the
world. To bring this vision to reality, “Corridor of Innovation and Cooperation (COINCO) North” is created.
The project is more than transportation itself, it focuses in on stimulating innovation and business in the
region.
in the year 2025 – high-speed rail
By David John Smith
oslo region 47
COINCO North is contributing to
developing the business in the corridor
to be among the foremost in its field
globally by creating a basis for increased
cooperation between the players in life
sciences and other sectors in the region.
Culture and tourism is in focus as well,
as the high-speed transportation will
make the regions more accessible to the
global tourist industry. And in keeping with
Richard Florida’s ideas, the raised level of
mobility will continue to attract talent and
creativity from far outside of the region.
Oslo: Green and Dynamic This all fits well with Oslo’s green and
dynamic profile – at the same time
emphasizing innovation, cooperation and
sustainable growth and development
reducing transaction costs related
to freight and passenger transport.
According to Knut Halvorsen, CEO Oslo
Teknopol, the COINCO North process
is having a positive synergy effect
among members in working towards the
2025 goal, “One dynamic effect of the
project will be the large and integrated
employment market that is created – one
that stretches from Oslo in the north to
Copenhagen in the south. This will have a
magnetic effect for employees, employers,
innovators, and investors.”
These plans related to the COINCO
North high-speed train between Oslo
and Copenhagen is representative of a
global tendency towards more effective
transportation within mega-regions. Oslo
knows that this high-speed connection is
strategically very important for continued
future competitiveness in the European
market – and that the year 2025 is really
not that far in the future.
48
norway abroad The following list provides an overview of the Norwegian embassies, Consulate Generals and Innovation Norway offices located internationally. For more information on Norwegian embassy and Consulate General activities, please visit www.norway.info
afghanistanKabul – EmbassyTel: +870 762 596 925, Fax satellite: +870 6000 61156E-mail: [email protected]
albaniaTirana – EmbassyRr “Dëshmorët e 4 shkurtit”, nr 5, Tirana Tel: +355 4 256923, +355 4 221666, Fax: +355 4 221507E-mail: [email protected]
algeriaAlger – EmbassyChez Chikiken, Lotissement No 04, Val d’Hydra16035 Alger Tel: +213 215 91 41014, Fax: +213 215 91 415E-mail: [email protected]
angolaLuanda – EmbassyRua de Benguela 17, Bairro Patrice Lumumba, LuandaTel: +224 222 447522/222 447922/ 222 449936Fax: +244 222 446248Tel. satellite: 871 761 964840, Fax satellite: 871 682 421256E-mail: [email protected]
argentinaBuenos Aires – EmbassyEsmeralda 909, 3B, 1007 Buenos AiresTel: +54 11 4312 2204, Fax: +54 11 4315 2831E-mail: [email protected]
azerbaijanBaku – Embassy6-10 Vagif Mustafa-zade kucesi, 370004 BakuTel: +994 12 4974325 / 4974326 / 4974327Fax: +994 12 4973798E-mail: [email protected]
austriaVienna – EmbassyReisner Str. 55, A-1030 ViennaTel: +43 1 715 6692, Fax: +43 1 712 6552E-mail: [email protected]
australiaCanberra – Embassy17 Hunter Street; Yarralumla, Canberra ACT 2600Tel: +61 2 6273 3444, Fax: +61 2 6273 3669E-mail: [email protected]
bangladeshDhaka – EmbassyRoad 111, House 9, Gulshan, Dhaka 1212Tel: +880 2 881 6276, Fax: +880 2 882 3661E-mail: [email protected]
belgiumBrussels – EmbassyRue Archimede 17, B-1000 BrusselsTel: +32 2 646 0780, Fax: +32 2 646 2882E-mail: [email protected]
bosnia-hercegovinaSarajevo – EmbassyFerhadija 20; 2nd floor, 71000 SarajevoTel: + 387 33 254 000, Fax: +387 33 666505E-mail: [email protected]
brazilBrasilia – EmbassySES 807 Avenida das Nacões; Lote 28, CEP 70, BR-418-900 Brasilia - DFTel: +55 61 3443 8722, +55 61 3443 8720, Fax: +55 61 3443 2942E-mail: [email protected]
Rio de Janeiro – Consulate GeneralRua Lauro Muller, 116-Suite 2206Torre do Rio Sul/Botafogo-RJ, BR-22290-160 Tel: +55 21 2541 7732, Fax:+ 55 21 2275 0161E-mail: [email protected]
Rio de Janeiro – Innovation NorwayRua Lauro Muller, 116-Suite 2206Torre do Rio Sul/Botafogo-RJ, BR-22290-160 Tel: +55 21 2541 7732, Fax:+ 55 21 2275 0161E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/brasil
bulgariaSofia – Embassy/ Innovation Norway54 B, Dondukov Blvd., Sofia 1000Tel: +359 2 92 11 95, Fax: +359 2 981 90 10E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/bulgaria
canadaOttawa – EmbassyRoyal Bank Centre; Suite 532; 90 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ont. K1P 5B4Tel: +1 613 238 6571, Fax: +1 613 238 2765E-mail: [email protected]
Toronto – Innovation Norway2 Bloor Street West Suite 2120, TorontoOntario M4W 3E2 Tel: +1 416 920 0434, Fax: +1 416 920 5982E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/canada
chileSantiago de Chile – EmbassySan Sebastián 2839; Of. 509, Las Condes, SantiagoTel: +56 2 234 2888 / 89, Fax: +56 2 234 2201E-mail: [email protected]
chinaBeijing – Embassy1, Dong Yi Jie; San Li Tun, CN-Beijing 100600Tel: +86 10 6532 2261 / 1329 / 4176, Fax: +86 10 6532 2392E-mail: [email protected]
Beijing – Innovation NorwaySuite 2205, The Space international CenterNo.8 Dong Da Qiao Street, Chaoyang DistrictBeijing 100020Tel:+86 10 6532 2398, Fax: +86 10 5870 1902E-post: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/kina
Shanghai – Consulate General/Innovation Norway12 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, CN-Shanghai 200002Tel: +86 21 6323 9988, Fax: +86 21 6323 3938IN, Tel: +86 21 6323 9988E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/kina
colombiaBogota – EmbassyEdificio Fuducafe, Piso 8 #801, Carrera 9 no 73-44, BogotaTel: +57 1 317 7851-54, Fax: +57 1 317 7858E-mail: [email protected]
croatiaZagreb – EmbassyPetrinjska 9, HR-10 000 ZagrebTel: +385 1 492 2831, Fax: +385 1 492 2832E-mail: [email protected]
cubaHavana – EmbassyCalle 30 #315, betw. 3rd and 5th Avenue, Miramar, Playa. La HabanaTel +53 7 204 0696 / +53 7 204 4411, Fax: +53 7 204 0699 Tel satellite: +47 22 24 03 10, Fax satellite: +874 600059661E-mail: [email protected]
czech republicPrague – EmbassyHellichova 1, CZ-11800 Prague 1 Malá StranaTel: +4202 5732 3737, 5732 1768/69, Fax: +4202 5732 6827E-mail: [email protected]
Prague – Innovation NorwayRoyal Norwegian Embassy, Commercial SectionNa Prikope 21, PO Box 102, CZ-11001 Prague 1 Tel: +4202 2481 0923, Fax: +4202 2481 0002 E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/tsjekkia
denmarkCopenhagen – Embassy/Innovation NorwayAmaliegade 39, 1256 Copenhagen KTel: +45 33 140124, Fax: +45 33 140624E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]
egyptCairo – Embassy8, El Gezirah Street; Zamalek, ET-CairoTel: +20 2 735 3340, Fax: +20 2 737 0709E-mail: [email protected]
eritreaAsmara – EmbassyStreet 173-1 # 11, PO Box 5801, AsmaraTel: + 291 1 12 21 38/12 21 48, Fax: +291 1 12 21 80E-mail: [email protected]
estoniaTallinn – Embassy/ Innovation Norway Harju 6, EE-15054 TallinnTel: +372 62 71000, Fax: +372 62 71001IN, Tel:+372 6313 466, Fax: +372 6313 468E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovajsonnorge.no/estland
ethiopiaAddis Abeba – EmbassyBuna Road, Mekanissa, Addis AbebaTel: +251 137 107 99, Fax: +251 1 711255E-mail: [email protected]
finlandHelsinki – EmbassyRehbindervägen 17, FIN-00150 HelsinkiTel: +358 9 686 0180, Fax: +358 9 657 807E-mail: [email protected]
Helsinki – Innovation NorwayMannerheimintie 5C, FIN-00100 Helsinki Tel: +358 20 755 1210, Fax: +358 964 0053 E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/finland
franceParis – Innovation Norway22 rue de Marignan, F-75008 ParisTel: +33 1 56 59 20 40, Fax: +33 1 56 59 20 41IN, Tel: +33 1 5659 2040E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge/frankrike
Paris – Embassy28 Rue Bayard, F-75008 ParisTel: +33 1 53 67 04 00, Fax: +33 1 53 67 04 40E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.norvege.no
germanyBerlin – EmbassyRauchstr. 1, D-10787 BerlinTel: +49 30 505050, Fax: +49 30 505055E-mail: [email protected]
Hamburg – Innovation Norway ABC-Strasse 19, DE-20354 HamburgPostfach 11 3317, DE-20433 HamburgTel: +49 40 22 94 15 0, Fax: +49 40 22 94 15 88 E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/tyskland
greeceAthens – Embassy23, Vas Sofias avenue, GR-106 74 AthensTel: +30 210 7246173, Fax: +30 210 7244989,E-mail: [email protected]
guatemalaGuatemala – Embassy14 Calle 3-51, Zona 10, Edificio Murano Center, Nivel 15, Ca-Guatemala 01010Tel: +502 2366 5908, Fax: +502 2366 5928E-mail: [email protected]
hungaryBudapest – Embassy/Innovation NorwayOstrom u. 13 , H- 1015 BudapestTel: +36 1 212 9400, Fax: +36 1 212 9410E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/ungarn
icelandReykjavik – EmbassyFjólugt. 17, IS-101 ReykjavikTel: +354 520 0700, Fax: +354 552 9553E-mail: [email protected]
indiaNew Delhi – Embassy/Innovation NorwayBungalow no 850 C Shantipath; Chanakyapuri, IND-110 021 New DelhiTel: +91 11 51 77 92 00, Fax: +91 11 51 68 01 45IN, Tel: +91 11 51779200, Fax: +91 11 51680145E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/india
indonesiaJakarta – EmbassyMenara Rajawali Building, 25th floorJl Mega Kuningan Lot no 5.1,Kawasan Mega Kuningan, Jakarta 12950Tel: +62 21 576 1523, Fax: +62 21 576 1537E-mail: [email protected]
iranTeheran – EmbassyNo 201 Dr. Lavasani St. (Ex-Farmanieh), Corner of Sonbol TeheranTel: +98 21 2229 1333, Fax: +98 21 2229 2776E-mail: [email protected]
irelandDublin – Embassy34 Molesworth Street, IRL-Dublin 2Tel: +353 1 662 1800, Fax: +353 1 662 1890E-mail: [email protected]
Dublin – Innovation Norway27 Auburn Avenue, Donnybrook, Dublin 4Tel: +353 1 2815993 , Fax: +356 1 1528992E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/storbritannia
israelTel Aviv – Embassy40 Einstein Street, Canion Ramat Aviv, 13. Etg., 69101 Tel AvivTel: +972 3 744 1490, Fax: +972 3 744 1498E-mail: [email protected]
italyRome – EmbassyVia delle Terme Deciane 7, I-00 153 RomeTel: +39 06 571 7031, Fax: +39 06 571 70326E-mail: [email protected]
Milan – Innovation NorwayReale Ambasciata di Norvegia Ufficio Commerciale e del TourismoVia G. Puccini, 5, I-20121 MilanTel: +39 02 854 514 11, Fax: +39 02 854 514 30 E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/italia
ivory coastAbidjan – EmbassyImmeuble N’Zarama, Boulevard Lagunaire, 5th floor, AbidjanTel: +225 20 222534 / 212166, Fax: +225 20 219 199E-mail: [email protected]
japanTokyo – Embassy/Innovation NorwayMinami Azabu 5-12-2; Minato-Ku, J-Tokyo 106-0047IN,Tel: +81 3 3440 2611, Fax: +81 3 3440 2689E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/japan
jordanAmman – Embassy25 Damascus Street, Abdoun, AmmanTel: +962 6 593 1646-48, Fax: +962 6 593 1650E-mail: [email protected]
kenyaNairobi – EmbassyLion Place, Waiyaki Way, NairobiTel: +254 20 4451510/1/2/3/4/5/6, Fax: +254 20 4451517E-mail: [email protected]
latviaRiga – Embassy14 Zirgu iela, LV-1050 RigaTel: +371 7814100, Fax: +371 7814108E-mail: [email protected]
Riga – Innovation NorwayRaina blvd. 3–12a, LV-1050 Riga Tel: +371 722 42 33, Fax: +371 722 40 54E-mail: [email protected]: www.invanor.no/riga
lebanonBeirut – EmbassyBliss Street, Dimashki Bldg, BeirutTel: +961 1 365 704 / +961 1 372 977/+961 1 372 978Fax: +961 1 372 979E-mail: [email protected]
lithuaniaVilnius – EmbassyMesiniu g. 5/2, 01015 VilniusTel: +370 5 2610000, Fax: +370 5 2610100E-mail: [email protected]
macedoniaSkopje – EmbassyPalata Unija, Teodosie Gologanov 59-2A, 91000 SkopjeTel: +389 2 3129 165, Fax: +389 2 3111 038E-mail: [email protected]
madagascarAntananarivo – EmbassyExplorer Business Park, bâtiment D2, Ankorandrano101 Antananarivo Tel: +261 20 22 305 07, Fax: +261 20 22 377 99E-mail: [email protected]
malawiLilongwe – EmbassyArwa House, City Centre, P/Bag B 323, Lilongwe 3Tel: +265 1 774211 / 771212, Fax: +265 1 772845E-mail: [email protected]
malaysiaKuala Lumpur – Embassy/Innovation NorwaySuite CD, 53rd floor Empire Tower, Jalan Tun Razak50400 Kuala LumpurTel: +603 2175 0300, Fax: +603 2175 0308IN, Tel: +603 2162 1200, Fax: +603 2162 2200E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]: www.innovasjonnorge.no/malaysia