turning the tide regional development in norway. the local cornerstone company closes down...

TURNING THE TIDERegional 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

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• 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

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• Local level: MunicipalitiesLocal challengesLocal 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

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• National level, operates locally

• Strategy and business development tools

• Programme and project management support

• Courses, seminars

• Networking activities

Innovation Norway

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CASEMunicipality of VågsøyRegional Development Programme2005–2011

• High unemployment rate

• Employment fell by 40 % 1995–2000

• Unbalanced industry structure: heavily based on fisheries

• Population decline (age group 20–39)

Vågsøy: Challenges

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Measurable goals in three areas

• New jobs Growth in existing local businesses Start-ups

• Population growth

• More people commuting

Vågsøy 2005–11: Goals

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• Employment goals accomplished

• Goal for population growth overachieved

• More people are commuting in the region

• Improved competitiveness

Vågsøy 2005–11: Key Results

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• Programme organisation: a limited companyLocal 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

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Thank you!Johannes Skaar

Special Adviser, Innovation Norway

Questions?

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