1. OSLO REGION By Jon-Gunnar Aasen Information consultant

2. The Oslo region The Osloregion consists of the capital of Norway, Oslo, and the surrounding area of Akershus County. Population: 990 000 (+ 55 000 students) Growth in work force: 69 000 new jobs since 1996 Growth in population: 46 000 since 1996 Unemployment: 2,1% 50% of the total resources related to R&D (manpower and financial resources) Innovation rate among businesses located in the region: Norwegian average level (which is far below OECD average) - NOT GOOD ENOUGH. In order to promote, co-ordinate and market business development and increased contact between R&D and business in the region: Establishment of a regional development unit: Oslo Business Region (OBR).

3. The vision for the Oslo region: “The Oslo region shall become one of the most innovative regions in Europe within 2010” March 27 th.2001 The vision is stated by authorities, R&D and Business The vision is also our vision (OBR)

4. Develop areas/clusters where capabilities and possibilities already exist: Biotechnology (sea food, health care etc.) Information and communication technologies (mobile Internet, satellite communication etc.) Energy (oil/gas, new renewable energy sources, offshore, hydropower) Maritime (shipping, transportation) Revitalising other business sectors (transportation/logistics, printing, tourism and other culture related areas) Reaching the vision?

5. Regional development Areas of interest: Knowledge foundation - what is it all about? Regional innovation - how does it happen? Regional ”competition” - our challenge! Regional clusters - how to promote it? Urban development - where does it happen? Regional governance - how to manage it! International co-operation and networking - learning and getting inspiration!