We have never been better placed to build new export industries

Name: Jonathan Sørbye (38)

Current position: EVP of Exports and International Growth at Innovation Norway. Started on 1 January 2022.

Background: Grew up in Kristiansund. Previously worked at Hydro, focusing on international business development, strategy and shipping. He has also worked on developing new business opportunities at the Wilhelmsen Group. Holds an MSc in Marine Technology from NTNU.

Number of employees in the Export and International Growth division: 20

Family: Married to Anja, father to Clara and Christian

International business development has been a common thread throughout my career. The roles I have held reflect my interest in international cultures and business, and I have also spent shorter periods working in South Africa and Singapore.

I believe these experiences have enabled me to see Norway and Norwegian business from a different perspective, leaving me deeply impressed by what we achieve in this country. We are global leaders in many technologies at a time when radical change is needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and maintain living standards. I believe this combination puts Norwegian exports in a stronger position than ever before.

I wish more companies recognised the value of joining forces. Small and medium-sized enterprises are more likely to succeed when they take a shared approach to internationalisation. We actively help companies across different value chains enter international markets. We open doors to new markets, organise international workshops and arrange meetings with potential customers around the world. There is great value in bringing companies together to pursue specific international business opportunities. Our cluster programmes also offer companies an excellent way to work more closely together and learn from one another.

It is also important to seize commercial opportunities as they emerge internationally. Norwegian companies need to take a demand-driven approach. Our international network can serve as a bridge to the world, providing companies with local support in their target markets. Our international offices are also valuable channels for sharing information about business opportunities with companies in Norway. We work actively through our regional offices in Norway and our offices abroad to ensure that Norwegian companies ready to embark on their export journey get the support they need.

To achieve the government's target of increasing exports excluding oil and gas by 50 per cent, we need both large and small businesses. It is, of course, very important that the major players in Norwegian industry succeed in winning international contracts, but I also believe that small and medium-sized businesses need to think more about their potential to export their own products and services. Working actively with our customers to realise this potential will be important to me. At the same time, I believe that if we can get large and small businesses to work together, we will be even better positioned internationally.

Our mission, viewed in the context of the transformation Norwegian companies must undertake to reduce our footprint. The world is rapidly shifting away from consumption and fossil fuels towards recycling and renewable resources. Norway has long led the world in oil and gas technology, and we can build on this expertise to develop a renewable industry. I therefore believe Norway will become a key supplier of goods and services, particularly in technology leadership, helping to accelerate the green transition. We are Norway's export council and have a vital responsibility to society in this transformation. The opportunity to play a central role in turning these ambitions into action is a powerful motivation for me.

Stay curious and don't be afraid to fail.

I believe it is very important to stay curious and keep learning throughout your life. You also need to use that knowledge to gain new experience. And do not be afraid to fail and try again.