Admission of new clusters
For networks of companies and other relevant stakeholders that have formed a cluster with the following characteristics:
- A collaborative platform that brings together established businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, research and knowledge communities, and public-sector development organisations, with businesses taking the lead.
- Clear opportunities for synergies within the cluster or with external organisations, both within and across value chains and technologies.
- Potential to increase value creation and strengthen the cluster's competitiveness through collaboration between its members.
- Broad participation from the key stakeholders in the cluster and active leadership.
We assess each cluster annually to determine whether it is developing in line with its strategy and objectives and continues to meet the programme's participation requirements.
Cluster status opens up new opportunities, enabling organisations with shared goals to work more closely together on sustainable innovation. Through the cluster programme, local entrepreneurs can shine, informed capital is mobilised, and the cluster's businesses strengthen their strategic work.
The NIC programme
- operate and manage the programme in line with the mandate from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries
- fund innovation clusters that collaborate to drive growth, innovation and greater competitiveness
- provide expertise, capital and networks
- help reduce the risks associated with exploration and innovation
- strengthen the clusters' role in connecting and supporting their members
The Norwegian Innovation Clusters (NIC) programme comprises Norwegian clusters at three levels:
- NIC Connect
- NIC Explore
- NIC Impact
Read more about the different programmes.
NIC is a collaboration between Innovation Norway, Siva and the Research Council of Norway, managed on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
The collaboration must have the potential to create clear synergies within the cluster or with external organisations, either within or across value chains and technologies.
There should be clear potential for increased value creation and stronger competitiveness within the cluster through collaboration between the participants.
You must present a strategic development project that can drive greater innovation and renewal, and that support from the programme can help launch and strengthen.
Broad participation from the key stakeholders in the cluster and active leadership provide an advantage.