Growth Agreements in the North (GAIN) Kristbjörg Jónasdóttir East-Iceland Development Centre

Project description Create a network and enhance cooperation between clusters and growth agreements in the NPP Explore how and if such initiatives can benefit rural and periphery areas to increase innovation and economic growth Identifying best/worst practices and develop our processes to benefit from best practices parallel to become well adjusted to local situation Explore ways to enhance and support rural-urban cooperation

What could be done within the project? Benchmarking different approaches to increase innovation through networking/cooperation between companies, R&D institutions, public and regional authorities. Promote knowledge transfer between clusters in different areas of the Northern Periphery. Based on benchmarking and need analysis within different clusters, if relevant and providing added value. Create a platform for exchange of ideas, on necessary research, education and relevant consultation for actors within clusters and GA in the Northern Periphery. Explore and benchmark different measures used to evaluate cluster/GA economic and social results.

East-Iceland Growth Agreement (EIGA) Unlike other GA the EIGA emphasizes peripheral areas. Central areas in East Iceland are undergoing considerable changes due to the construction of a large aluminum smelter in Reyðarfjörður while peripheral areas in the North and South don't reap the benefit. How can cluster theory work for rural communities?

Cluster in EIGA Education and Research Culture and tourism Industry and construction Food industry

Example of projects 2007 Historic sites in Seyðisfjörður one of Iceland’s oldest and most original towns The Net-university East-Iceland food cluster Vatnajökuls – cluster (national park and largest glacer in Europe) Cluster of construction companies

NPP – partnerships wanted! Different partners involved in growth agreements and clusters in the NPP regions East Iceland Growth Agreement has connections to other GA around Iceland The East Iceland Development Centre will be able either to participate as a partner or a coordinator in a project, depending on a active partner group