Taking Trøndelag businesses to the top tier

'The train towards a green transition is leaving the station. It’s time to stand tall and get on board. We have no reason to be modest here in our county. Many businesses in Trøndelag already have the knowledge and technology they need to compete in the Champions League of business,' says Harsvik.

She uses Eco Materials AS, a company based 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 recovered wood into new raw material that can then be used to make new wood products.

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

Aker Solutions Verdal is another good example of the transition to a future-focused business.

'With years of offshore expertise from the oil and gas industry, the company is moving rapidly 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 leading the way in a range of fields, particularly in bio-based industries in the marine and land-based sectors, and especially in agricultural and aquaculture technology.

'And let’s not forget that Trondheim is Norway’s technology capital. New companies are constantly emerging from the thriving environment in 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

'We must not forget our region’s aquaculture and agriculture industries either,' Harsvik emphasises.

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

Harsvik points out that local food producers are too small to supply Europe with their delicacies, but can instead entice food lovers from abroad to visit Trøndelag and spend their euros across the region. She sees significant opportunities ahead in travel and food tourism.

'Ambitious businesses 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 find the knowledge, contacts and funding they need to share their ideas and expand into new markets.

She explains that our dedicated EU advisors help businesses access the EU development funding available through the EEA Agreement. Norway recently joined InvestEU, the EU’s flagship programme for loans, financial guarantees and equity instruments. Our team in Trøndelag can also guide businesses in bio-based industries towards Bionova, the government’s new scheme for the green transition in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture.

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

Her message to ambitious business leaders in Trøndelag is clear: stand tall, show your pride in being from Trøndelag and make 2024 the year your company joins the Champions League of business!