EU funding for Norwegian ideas opens the door to the European market

Europe is not only Norway's closest neighbour – it is also our most important market. As much as 70 per cent of Norwegian exports go to Europe, and cooperation with the EU opens doors for Norwegian companies seeking growth, innovation and international expansion.

One example of Norwegian success is Maritime CleanTech. Drawing on Norway's world-class maritime industry, it has established itself as a key player in the EU's green transition.

They recently secured NOK 90 million in EU funding for the STEESMAT project, which is developing pioneering power systems for the zero-emission ships of tomorrow. This innovative technology could cut ships’ emissions by up to 40 per cent.

'We are working towards an overarching goal for Norway: to become a green maritime powerhouse. In recent years alone, Maritime CleanTech has secured more than NOK 1.5 billion through EU projects to reduce risk and advance green maritime development,' says Ada M. Jakobsen, CEO of Maritime CleanTech.

The STEESMAT project is part of Horizon Europe, the world's largest research and innovation programme, with a budget of €95.5 billion.

Read more about Maritime CleanTech: Norwegian maritime innovation secures NOK 90 million in EU funding

However, funding is not the only benefit for Norwegian companies. For many, taking part creates far greater value in other areas.

Cobuilder, which works with standardisation and digitalisation in the construction industry, has had the same experience. Like another Norwegian company, Kezzler, Cobuilder is taking part in the CIRPASS-2 project.

There, they are developing digital product passports (DPPs) that will transform how we track products – a key part of the EU's green transition, enabling companies to document product sustainability and contribute to a circular economy.

'EU projects like these provide not only funding, but also access to a large and important network that can foster collaboration long after the project has ended,' he says.

Read more about Cobuilder and Kezzler: Norwegian companies set the standard for the EU's green transition

EU programmes focus strongly on solving major societal challenges, particularly those related to climate, the environment and sustainability. This creates opportunities for Norwegian companies with innovative solutions.

Norwegian company GRIN has drawn inspiration from the Nordic deposit return system to transform how products such as medical devices are recycled. Through the EU-funded DiCE project (Digital Health in the Circular Economy), the company is developing smart return solutions for electronic medical devices.

‘The root cause of most of our environmental problems is our linear society. If we are to achieve any environmental goals at all, society must become much more circular,’ says Millet.

The DICE project has a total budget of more than EUR 9.2 million, of which GRIN will receive close to EUR 690,000.

Read more about GRIN: Norwegian innovation tackles the healthcare sector's environmental challenge

Another major benefit of EU projects is the opportunity to influence future policy and legislation. This is particularly important in emerging areas such as digital product passports (DPP), where the regulatory framework is still being developed.

For more than 20 years, Kezzler has developed platforms for digital traceability across value chains. Its active involvement in standardisation work on digital product passports in Europe now gives the company a unique opportunity to help shape their development.

'There is close communication between the European Commission and the project, making CIRPASS-2 one of the key forums for putting this into practice. Kezzler also has two expert representatives on the European committee working on the DPP standards,' says Hans Petter Hübert, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Kezzler. He adds:

‘This project gives us a great deal of credibility. Few organisations are more closely involved in the development of DPP than we are. Being so close to the regulatory developments is extremely valuable, and playing such a key role in a project of this scale is both inspiring and educational.’

We play a key role in helping Norwegian companies take part in European projects and opportunities.

Our offices across Europe can provide practical support and help you access new markets. For several clusters, including Maritime CleanTech, we can fund dedicated EU advisers who work exclusively with EU calls for proposals.

'Many people are unaware of the opportunities that EU collaboration offers. We find that companies which embark on EU projects rarely stop, because everyone gains so much added value,' says Langslet.

If you are considering taking part in an EU project, make sure the project aligns with your company's overall strategy and business objectives.

'Does your company have a solution or product that can solve problems on an international scale? Do you want to grow in the European market, and do you need networks, business partners or access to capital? These are important questions to clarify,' she says, before offering this advice to Norwegian companies:

– The EU brings together a wide range of stakeholders across countries, industries and fields. This offers a unique opportunity to work with partners you might not otherwise meet and achieve results you could not accomplish alone. At the same time, you help address major societal challenges – a win-win for both businesses and Europe.