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: emb.mexico@mfa.no

moroccoRabat – Embassy9, rue de Khenifra, RabatTel: (+212) (0)537764084-6, Fax: +212 3 7764088E-mail: emb.rabat@mfa.no

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: emb.maputo@mfa.no

nepalKatmandu – EmbassySurya Court, Pulchowk, LalitpurTel: +977 1 5545307-8, Fax: +977 1 5545226E-mail: emb.kathmandu@mfa.noEmergency 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: emb.hague@mfa.no

nicaraguaManagua – EmbassyPlaza España, 100 mtr. al Oeste, ManaguaTel: +505 2 665197-9, Fax: +505 2 663303E-mail: emb.managua@mfa.no

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: emb.abuja@mfa.no

pakistanIslamabad – EmbassyH 25, Str. 19, F 6/2, IslamabadTel: +92 51 227 9720-23, Fax: +92 51 227 9729E-mail: emb.islamabad@mfa.no

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: rep.office.alram@mfa.no

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: emb.manila@mfa.no

polandWarsaw – Embassyul. Fr. Chopina 2A, PL-00-559 WarsawTel: + 48 22 696 4030, Fax: +48 22 628 0938E-mail: emb.warsaw@mfa.no

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: warsaw@innovationnorway.noWebsite: 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: emb.lisbon@mfa.no E-mail: lisbon@innovationnorway.noWebsite: 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: emb.bucharest@mfa.no Website: bucharest@innovationnorway.no

russiaMoscow – Embassy/Innovation NorwayUlitsa Povarskaya 7, RUS-131940 MoscowTel: +74 95 933 1410, Fax: +74 95 933 14 11/12E-mail: emb.moscow@mfa.no E-mail: moskva@innvasjonnorge.noWebsite: 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: cons.gen.murmansk@mfa.no E-mail: murmansk@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: 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: cons.gen.stpetersburg@mfa.no

St.Petersburg – Innovation NorwayKaluzhskij per.3, RUS-193015 St. Petersburg Tel: +7812 326 9037, Fax: +7812 326 9038 E-mail: st.petersburg@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: 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: emb.riyadh@mfa.no

serbia Beograd – EmbassyUzicka 43, YU-11040 BeogradTel: +381 11 367 0404-05, Fax: +381 11 369 0158E-mail: emb.belgrade@mfa.no

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: emb.singapore@mfa.no E-mail: singapore@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: 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: emb.bratislava@mfa.no

sloveniaLjubljana - EmbassyAdjovscina 4/8, 1000 LjubljanaTel: +386 1 300 2140, Fax: +386 1 300 2150E-mail: emb.ljubljana@mfa.no

south africaJohannesburg – Innovation Norway14th Floor, Sandton City Office TowerPO Box 785436, Sandton 2146Tel: +2711784 8150, Fax: +2711784 8153E-mail: johannesburg@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: www.innovasjonnorge.no/sorafrika

Pretoria – Embassy1 Parioli Building A2, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield 0083Tel: +27 12 342 6100, Fax: +27 12 342 6099E-mail: emb.pretoria@mfa.no

south koreaSeoul – Embassy258-8 Itaewon-Dong, Yongsan-Ku, Seoul 140-200Tel: + 82 2 795 6850, Fax: +82 2 798 6072E-mail: emb.seoul@mfa.no

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: seoul@innovationnorway.noWebsite: 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: emb.madrid@mfa.no

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: madrid@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: 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: emb.colombo@mfa.no

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: emb.khartoum@mfa.no

swedenStockholm – EmbassySkarpögatan 4, S-115 27 StockholmTel: +46 8 665 6340, Fax: +46 8 782 9899E-mail: emb.stockholm@mfa.no

Stockholm – Innovation NorwaySveavägen 64, SE-111 34 Stockholm Tel: +46 8 791 83 00, Fax: +46 8 24 98 00E-mail: stockholm@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: www.innovasjonnorge.no/sverige

switzerlandBern – Embassy Bubenbergplatz 10, CH-3011 BernTel: +41 31 310 5555, Fax: +41 31 310 5550E-mail: emb.bern@mfa.no

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: emb.damascus@mfa.no

tanzaniaDar es Salaam – Embassy160; Mirambo Street, Dar es SalaamTel: +255 22 211 3366, Fax: +255 22 211 6564E-mail: emb.daressalaam@mfa.no

thailandBangkok – EmbassyUBC II Building, 18th floor, 591 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 33, Bangkok 10110Tel: +66 (0)2 204 6500, Fax: +66 (0)2262 0218E-mail: emb.bangkok@mfa.no

turkeyAnkara – EmbassyKirkpinar Sokak No. 18; 06540 Cankaya, AnkaraTel: +90 312 405 8010, Fax: +90 312 443 0544E-mail: emb.ankara@mfa.no

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: istanbul@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: 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: emb.kampala@mfa.no

ukraineKiev – EmbassyVul. Striletska 15, 252034 KievTel: +380 44 590 04 70, Fax: +380 44 234 0655E-mail: emb.kiev@mfa.no

united arab emiratesAbu Dhabi – EmbassyHamdan Street, Al Masoud Tower; 10th floor, Abu DhabiTel: + 971 2 621 1221, Fax: +971 2 621 3313E-mail: emb.abudhabi@mfa.no

Dubai – Innovation Norwayco/ Det Norske VeritasP.O. Box 1153914th floor, Burjuman Office TowerDubai U.A.ETel: +971 4 352 20 21E-mail: erik.wiken@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: www.innovasjonnorge.no/uae

united kingdomEdinburgh – Consulate General86 George Street, GB-Edinburgh EH2 3BUTel: +44 131 226 5701, Fax: +44 131 220 4976E-mail: cons.gen.edinburgh@mfa.no

London – Embassy25 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QDTel: +44 20 7591 5500, Fax: +44 20 7245 6993E-mail: emb.london@mfa.no

London – Innovation NorwayTrade and Technology OfficeCharles House 5 Lower Regent Street, SW1Y 4LRTel: +44 207 389 8800, Fax: +44 207 9730 189 E-mail: london@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: 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: boston@innovationnorway.nowebsite: 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: cons.gen.houston@mfa.noE-mail: houston@innovationnorway.noWebsite: www.innovasjonnorge.no/usa

Minneapolis – Consulate General800 Foshay Tower; 821 Marquette Avenue, MinneapolisMN 55402Tel: +1 612 332 3338, Fax: +1 612 332 1386E-mail: cons.gen.minneapolis@mfa.no

New York – Consulate General825 Third Avenue; 38th floor, New York, NY 10022-7584Tel: +1 212 421 7333, Fax: +1 212 754 0583E-mail: cons.gen.newyork@mfa.no

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: newyork@innovationnorway.noWebsite: 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: cons.gen.sanfrancisco@mfa.noE-mail: san.fransisco@innovationnorway.noWebsite: 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: emb.washington@mfa.no E-mail: wasgington@innovationnorway.noWebsite: 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: emb.caracas@mfa.no

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: emb.hanoi@mfa.no E-mail: Hanoi@innovajsonnorge.noWebsite: www.innovasjonnorge.no/vietnam

zambiaLusaka – EmbassyCorner Birdage Walk / Haile Selassie Avenue, LusakaTel: +260 1 252188, 252626, 252637, Fax: +260 1 253915E-mail: emb.lusaka@mfa.no

zimbabweHarare – Embassy5 Lanark Road; Belgravia, HarareTel: +263 4 252426, Fax: +263 4 252430E-mail: emb.harare@mfa.no

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: kundeservice@findexaforlag.noWebsite: 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 kundeservice@findexaforlag.no

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

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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

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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

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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

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Wan

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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

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H. R

øyne

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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

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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

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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

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/Erik

Ber

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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: emb.kabul@mfa.no

albaniaTirana – EmbassyRr “Dëshmorët e 4 shkurtit”, nr 5, Tirana Tel: +355 4 256923, +355 4 221666, Fax: +355 4 221507E-mail: emb.tirana@mfa.no

algeriaAlger – EmbassyChez Chikiken, Lotissement No 04, Val d’Hydra16035 Alger Tel: +213 215 91 41014, Fax: +213 215 91 415E-mail: emb.alger@mfa.no

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: emb.luanda@mfa.no

argentinaBuenos Aires – EmbassyEsmeralda 909, 3B, 1007 Buenos AiresTel: +54 11 4312 2204, Fax: +54 11 4315 2831E-mail: emb.buenosaires@mfa.no

azerbaijanBaku – Embassy6-10 Vagif Mustafa-zade kucesi, 370004 BakuTel: +994 12 4974325 / 4974326 / 4974327Fax: +994 12 4973798E-mail: emb.baku@mfa.no

austriaVienna – EmbassyReisner Str. 55, A-1030 ViennaTel: +43 1 715 6692, Fax: +43 1 712 6552E-mail: emb.vienna@mfa.no

australiaCanberra – Embassy17 Hunter Street; Yarralumla, Canberra ACT 2600Tel: +61 2 6273 3444, Fax: +61 2 6273 3669E-mail: emb.canberra@mfa.no

bangladeshDhaka – EmbassyRoad 111, House 9, Gulshan, Dhaka 1212Tel: +880 2 881 6276, Fax: +880 2 882 3661E-mail: emb.dhaka@mfa.no

belgiumBrussels – EmbassyRue Archimede 17, B-1000 BrusselsTel: +32 2 646 0780, Fax: +32 2 646 2882E-mail: emb.brussels@mfa.no

bosnia-hercegovinaSarajevo – EmbassyFerhadija 20; 2nd floor, 71000 SarajevoTel: + 387 33 254 000, Fax: +387 33 666505E-mail: emb.sarajevo@mfa.no

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: emb.brasilia@mfa.no

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: cons.gen.riodejaneiro@mfa.no

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: riodejaneiro@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: 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: emb.sofia@mfa.no E-mail: sofia@innovationnorway.noWebsite: 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: emb.ottawa@mfa.no

Toronto – Innovation Norway2 Bloor Street West Suite 2120, TorontoOntario M4W 3E2 Tel: +1 416 920 0434, Fax: +1 416 920 5982E-mail: toronto@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: 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: emb.santiago@mfa.no

chinaBeijing – Embassy1, Dong Yi Jie; San Li Tun, CN-Beijing 100600Tel: +86 10 6532 2261 / 1329 / 4176, Fax: +86 10 6532 2392E-mail: emb.beijing@mfa.no

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: Beijing@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: 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: cons.gen.shanghai@mfa.no E-mail: shanghai@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: 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: emb.bogota@mfa.no

croatiaZagreb – EmbassyPetrinjska 9, HR-10 000 ZagrebTel: +385 1 492 2831, Fax: +385 1 492 2832E-mail: emb.zagreb@mfa.no

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: emb.havana@mfa.no

czech republicPrague – EmbassyHellichova 1, CZ-11800 Prague 1 Malá StranaTel: +4202 5732 3737, 5732 1768/69, Fax: +4202 5732 6827E-mail: emb.prague@mfa.no

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: praha@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: www.innovasjonnorge.no/tsjekkia

denmarkCopenhagen – Embassy/Innovation NorwayAmaliegade 39, 1256 Copenhagen KTel: +45 33 140124, Fax: +45 33 140624E-mail: emb.copenhagen@mfa.noE-mail: copenhagen.trade@innovationnorway.noE-mail: copenhagen.travel@innovationnorway.no

egyptCairo – Embassy8, El Gezirah Street; Zamalek, ET-CairoTel: +20 2 735 3340, Fax: +20 2 737 0709E-mail: emb.cairo@mfa.no

eritreaAsmara – EmbassyStreet 173-1 # 11, PO Box 5801, AsmaraTel: + 291 1 12 21 38/12 21 48, Fax: +291 1 12 21 80E-mail: emb.asmara@mfa.no

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: emb.tallinn@mfa.no E-mail: tallinn@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: www.innovajsonnorge.no/estland

ethiopiaAddis Abeba – EmbassyBuna Road, Mekanissa, Addis AbebaTel: +251 137 107 99, Fax: +251 1 711255E-mail: emb.addisabeba@mfa.no

finlandHelsinki – EmbassyRehbindervägen 17, FIN-00150 HelsinkiTel: +358 9 686 0180, Fax: +358 9 657 807E-mail: emb.helsinki@mfa.no

Helsinki – Innovation NorwayMannerheimintie 5C, FIN-00100 Helsinki Tel: +358 20 755 1210, Fax: +358 964 0053 E-mail: helsinki@innovationnorway.noWebsite: 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: paris@innovationnorway.noWebsite: www.innovasjonnorge/frankrike

Paris – Embassy28 Rue Bayard, F-75008 ParisTel: +33 1 53 67 04 00, Fax: +33 1 53 67 04 40E-mail: emb.paris@mfa.no Website: www.norvege.no

germanyBerlin – EmbassyRauchstr. 1, D-10787 BerlinTel: +49 30 505050, Fax: +49 30 505055E-mail: emb.berlin@mfa.no

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: hamburg@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: www.innovasjonnorge.no/tyskland

greeceAthens – Embassy23, Vas Sofias avenue, GR-106 74 AthensTel: +30 210 7246173, Fax: +30 210 7244989,E-mail: emb.athens@mfa.no

guatemalaGuatemala – Embassy14 Calle 3-51, Zona 10, Edificio Murano Center, Nivel 15, Ca-Guatemala 01010Tel: +502 2366 5908, Fax: +502 2366 5928E-mail: emb.guatemala@mfa.no

hungaryBudapest – Embassy/Innovation NorwayOstrom u. 13 , H- 1015 BudapestTel: +36 1 212 9400, Fax: +36 1 212 9410E-mail: emb.budapest@mfa.no E-mail: budapest@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: www.innovasjonnorge.no/ungarn

icelandReykjavik – EmbassyFjólugt. 17, IS-101 ReykjavikTel: +354 520 0700, Fax: +354 552 9553E-mail: emb.reykjavik@mfa.no

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: emb.newdelhi@mfa.no E-mail: newdelhi@innovationnorway.noWebsite: 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: emb.jakarta@mfa.no

iranTeheran – EmbassyNo 201 Dr. Lavasani St. (Ex-Farmanieh), Corner of Sonbol TeheranTel: +98 21 2229 1333, Fax: +98 21 2229 2776E-mail: emb.tehran@mfa.no

irelandDublin – Embassy34 Molesworth Street, IRL-Dublin 2Tel: +353 1 662 1800, Fax: +353 1 662 1890E-mail: emb.dublin@mfa.no

Dublin – Innovation Norway27 Auburn Avenue, Donnybrook, Dublin 4Tel: +353 1 2815993 , Fax: +356 1 1528992E-mail: Patrick.Daly@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: 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: emb.telaviv@mfa.no

italyRome – EmbassyVia delle Terme Deciane 7, I-00 153 RomeTel: +39 06 571 7031, Fax: +39 06 571 70326E-mail: emb.rome@mfa.no

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: milan@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: www.innovasjonnorge.no/italia

ivory coastAbidjan – EmbassyImmeuble N’Zarama, Boulevard Lagunaire, 5th floor, AbidjanTel: +225 20 222534 / 212166, Fax: +225 20 219 199E-mail: emb.abidjan@mfa.no

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: emb.tokyo@mfa.no E-mail: tokyo@innovasjonnorge.noWebsite: www.innovasjonnorge.no/japan

jordanAmman – Embassy25 Damascus Street, Abdoun, AmmanTel: +962 6 593 1646-48, Fax: +962 6 593 1650E-mail: emb.amman@mfa.no

kenyaNairobi – EmbassyLion Place, Waiyaki Way, NairobiTel: +254 20 4451510/1/2/3/4/5/6, Fax: +254 20 4451517E-mail: emb.nairobi@mfa.no

latviaRiga – Embassy14 Zirgu iela, LV-1050 RigaTel: +371 7814100, Fax: +371 7814108E-mail: emb.riga@mfa.no

Riga – Innovation NorwayRaina blvd. 3–12a, LV-1050 Riga Tel: +371 722 42 33, Fax: +371 722 40 54E-mail: riga@invanor.noWebsite: 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: noremble@cyberia.net.lb

lithuaniaVilnius – EmbassyMesiniu g. 5/2, 01015 VilniusTel: +370 5 2610000, Fax: +370 5 2610100E-mail: emb.vilnius@mfa.no

macedoniaSkopje – EmbassyPalata Unija, Teodosie Gologanov 59-2A, 91000 SkopjeTel: +389 2 3129 165, Fax: +389 2 3111 038E-mail: emb.off.skopje@mfa.no

madagascarAntananarivo – EmbassyExplorer Business Park, bâtiment D2, Ankorandrano101 Antananarivo Tel: +261 20 22 305 07, Fax: +261 20 22 377 99E-mail: emb.antananarivo@mfa.no

malawiLilongwe – EmbassyArwa House, City Centre, P/Bag B 323, Lilongwe 3Tel: +265 1 774211 / 771212, Fax: +265 1 772845E-mail: emb.lilongwe@mfa.no

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: emb.kualalumpur@mfa.noE-mail: kualalumpur@innovationnorway.noWebsite: www.innovasjonnorge.no/malaysia