TURNING THE TIDE Regional Development in Norway

The local cornerstone company closes down Unemployment rises People move Brain drain  Hard for remaining businesses to adapt and grow  Difficult to create start-ups/ attract entrepreneurs Scenario

Up to six years: national funding Regional monitoring Industry development projects: SMB development, entrepreneurship, network, infrastructure Projects to improve collaboration between local authorities and industry Local Development Programmes

Local level: Municipalities  Local challenges  Local solutions and implementation Regional level: the county authority  Processes programme applications from local authorities  Grants funding National level: Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development  Annual grants The Players

National level, operates locally Strategy and business development tools Programme and project management support Courses, seminars Networking activities Innovation Norway

CASE Municipality of Vågsøy Regional Development Programme 2005–2011

High unemployment rate Employment fell by 40 % 1995–2000 Unbalanced industry structure: heavily based on fisheries Population decline (age group 20–39) Vågsøy: Challenges

Measurable goals in three areas New jobs  Growth in existing local businesses  Start-ups Population growth More people commuting Vågsøy 2005–11: Goals

Employment goals accomplished Goal for population growth overachieved More people are commuting in the region Improved competitiveness Vågsøy 2005–11: Key Results

Programme organisation: a limited company Local enterprises held a majority of the shares Management & board with business development skills Consensus on strategies and goals Communication/PR  Management active in local media and the community  Public information and updates on: plans, priorities, results Vågsøy 2005–11: Success Criteria

Thank you! Johannes Skaar Special Adviser, Innovation Norway Questions?