Entrepreneur's daughter became an export expert

Name: Kari Holmefjord Vervik

Background: Daughter of an aquaculture entrepreneur. She has worked in business research at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), at Hordaland County Council and as head of Marin VEST, one of the first cluster programmes in the marine sector. She joined us in 2003.

Current position: Regional Director, Innovation Norway Rogaland

Number of employees at the office: 18

Family: Married to Steinar, mother of Ingrid (20) and Skjalg Eirik (23)

I come from a small place just outside Bergen, but I have moved to Stavanger twice in my life. I shout ‘Come on, Rogaland!’ loud and clear, even if it is in the wrong dialect. People from Rogaland are pragmatic and turn towards the opportunities that pay off. In recent years, that has meant turning towards oil and gas. But the region’s story has a past and a future that are entirely independent of oil and gas.

We first transferred expertise and technology from other industries to the oil industry. The fields of Jæren were full of large stones, so farmers needed robust ploughs. This laid the foundation for a mechanical engineering industry with expertise in areas such as welding. This industry became important to the development of the oil and gas sector.

Many people think of Rogaland as an oil-producing region, but what really sets it apart is the diverse value chain linked to oil and gas.

The oil and gas industry has enabled clear technology transfers to offshore wind power generation, aquaculture and other ocean-based operations. What many people may not realise, however, is the range of other projects that have emerged from the oil industry, including remote-controlled vehicles, simulations, advanced measurement systems, emergency medicine, safety training and treatment technology developed to separate oil from wastewater. Many of these involve ICT solutions and general services that can be applied in other contexts. People in Rogaland have great drive, energy and a strong work ethic – qualities that became even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A quarter used the emergency funding they received from us in 2020 to enter new industries. For example, some now want to explore for minerals on the seabed instead of oil.

The emergency support packages enabled us to keep innovative projects moving forward. The coronavirus crisis – and the fall in oil prices – has once again accelerated restructuring efforts. Some companies have revived innovative projects they launched during the previous economic downturn. At the time, they were working to diversify their business, but put the projects on hold when the economy improved. Now they are forging ahead with their innovative projects once again.

During this period, we have also received applications from major companies that may not have considered us before. Larger companies are also keen to explore new opportunities. Small suppliers often struggle to take their individual products, such as a valve or measuring system, to international markets on their own. When large companies enter new international markets, they can help small suppliers export their products. Even the most committed oil and gas investors are now investing heavily in new sectors. This is where the transition is really happening!

We also have many 'born global' companies that are now expanding internationally. Many were founded by people with expertise in the oil and gas sector, including Nordic Unmanned (drones), Shoreline (management systems for offshore wind power generation), Easee (electric vehicle charging systems) and Zaptec (charging systems).

Overall, 2020 has been an incredibly rewarding year because we have been able to support innovation and transformation on a large scale. I get a real buzz from helping people I truly believe in! Some have faced a long and winding road, which makes it all the more rewarding when they succeed. It is fascinating to see what people can create.

I am the daughter of an aquaculture entrepreneur. Growing up, I witnessed the joys and successes, but I also saw how much hard work it takes. Now I am fortunate enough to support other entrepreneurs on their exciting journeys.

Our goal is green transition and international growth. We will identify the companies with the strongest potential to succeed in exports and support them over several years. We will prioritise selected green value chains that include both large and small businesses. We will work closely with some of Rogaland's six business clusters in oil and gas, offshore wind, infrastructure, welfare technology, marine technology and smart solutions. These clusters are almost 'made' for facilitating technology transfer.