For Nordic Edge, Arena Pro means a strengthened commitment towards innovation, co-creation, knowledge development and competence transfer. The cluster is now in a position to accelerate the development and export of smart city solutions and services. 

The Norwegian cluster programme consists of Norwegian business and innovation clusters at three levels: Arena, Arena Pro and GCE. The programme is a state-funded collaboration between Innovation Norway, the Research Council of Norway and SIVA. Arena Pro means NOK 6 million a year for a period of five years. The funds will go to projects and the development of expertise for enhanced innovation capacity, and international growth in small and medium-sized enterprises.

Enthusiasm from partners

Anne Woie, Head of Economic Development and International Affairs for the City of Stavanger kommune, praises Nordic Edge for their long-term work with developing new business, both regionally and on a national level.

– When Nordic Edge now gets Arena Pro-status is goes to show the very good and solid job they have done for many years. It is important for Stavanger municipality, but it is fantastic for the whole region. With more funds coming in, it will contribute to accelerating the transformation to new industries that we are now entering, says Woie.

– Nordic Edge with its initiatives will be a hub and not least a magnet for new, innovative companies, so this is very good, Woie adds.

Vidar Aksland, head of innovation at Sparebank 1 SR-Bank echoes her sentiment:

– The smart city sector is not defined, but I have no doubt that it will provide a new basis for life and new jobs in the region, he says.

– This will stimulate the region to accelerate winning, global companies that deliver products and services that will be relevant in the future, Aksland says.