Taking Trøndelag businesses to the top league

'The transition to a greener economy is gathering pace. We just need to stand tall and get on board. There is no reason for us to be modest about what we can achieve in this county. Many companies in Trøndelag already have the knowledge and technology they need to compete at the highest level in business,' says Harsvik.

She cites Eco Materials AS in Orkland municipality as an example. Today, most waste from the construction industry is burned to generate energy or heat. Eco Materials wants to change this. The company plans to recycle reclaimed timber and turn it into new raw material that can then be used to manufacture new wood products.

'This is the circular economy in practice, and everyone benefits. I encourage you to think big and be bold together with us,' says Harsvik.

Aker Solutions Verdal is another good example of a company transitioning to future-oriented operations.

'Drawing on years of offshore expertise from the oil and gas industry, the company is rapidly expanding into renewable energy production and aquaculture. It is finding new applications for its technology and contributing to the green transition. This market offers enormous opportunities,' says Harsvik.

She says these examples show that Trøndelag is at the forefront in several areas, particularly bio-based industries in the blue and green sectors, as well as agricultural and aquaculture technology.

- I should also point out that Trondheim is Norway's technology capital. New companies are constantly emerging from the thriving ecosystem at and around NTNU. Secure Practice is a good example. It is one of Norway's fastest-growing companies and has developed solutions to combat email fraud and hacking. It recently received NOK 29 million from the EU's Digital Europe programme to strengthen cybersecurity in Europe.

Read the article: Trondheim company to bring cybersecurity to Europe

'Nor should we forget the aquaculture and agricultural industries in our region,' Harsvik emphasises.

- Organic butter and sour cream from Rørosmeieriet are available in shops across Norway, and our farmed salmon is of 'sushi quality'. We have reindeer meat, scallops and, not least, the world's best cheese – Gangstad Nidelven Blue. It is no coincidence that Trøndelag is a European Region of Gastronomy or that the European final of the Bocuse d'Or was held in Trondheim in 2024.

Harsvik points out that local food producers are too small to supply Europe with their delicacies, but they can instead entice international food lovers to visit Trøndelag and spend money across the region. She sees significant opportunities for tourism and culinary tourism in the years ahead.

'Ambitious companies often need a partner to support them as they enter new industries and markets. That is the role our offices in Steinkjer and Trondheim will play,' says Harsvik.

- We are the business community's 'local shop', where ambitious companies can access the knowledge, contacts and funding they need to share their ideas and grow into new markets.

She explains that we have dedicated EU advisers who can unlock access to EU development funding available through the EEA Agreement. Norway recently joined InvestEU, the EU's flagship financial instrument for loans, financial guarantees and equity investments. We can also guide companies in Trøndelag's bio-based industries towards Bionova, the government's new scheme for the green transition of agriculture, forestry and aquaculture.

'Receiving support through these schemes is a mark of quality in itself and helps companies grow internationally,' says Harsvik.

Her clear message to ambitious business leaders in Trøndelag is: 'Stand tall, show that you are from Trøndelag, and make 2024 the year your company joins the Champions League of business!'