4 December 2023
Polish and Norwegian clusters will strengthen cooperation during their four-day study visit to Norway
Between 22nd and 25th of May 2023, the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development in cooperation with Innovation Norway is organising a study visit to Norway for representatives of leading clusters and business environment institutions from Poland. The aim of this pilot initiative is to develop bilateral cooperation between Polish entities and their Norwegian counterparts. The Polish delegation will be represented by 14 people from the following 9 institutions:
- Polish Construction Cluster (National Key Cluster);
- Silesian Nanotechnology Cluster (National Key Cluster);
- Cluster of Innovative Technologies in Manufacturing CINNOMATECH (National Cluster Key);
- Sustainable Infrastructure Cluster (National Key Cluster);
- Association of Polish Mechanical Engineers and Technicians;
- Baltic Sea and Space Cluster;
- Polish Association of Shipping Entrepreneurs;
- Waste-Klaster Poznań;
- Polish Automotive Group Cluster (National Key Cluster).
The participation of Polish clusters is possible, among others, thanks to the support of EEA and Norway Grants in the form of 'travel grants’. For the participation in the study visit, cluster coordinators or business environment institutions can receive up to 100% funding, which means that they do not have to have their own contribution.
The programme of the visit is extensive and includes meetings and discussions with representatives of 8 Norwegian clusters:
- Maritime-Forum Cluster;
- Renergy Cluster;
- Ocean Autonomy Cluster;
- Nosca Clean Oceans Cluster;
- Proptech Innovation Cluster;
- NCE Maritime Clean Tech Cluster;
- Energy Transition Norway Cluster;
- Nordic Edge Cluster.
The meetings will take place in Trondheim, Bergen and Stavanger.
- Bilateral initiatives addressed to entities carefully selected and interested in establishing real cooperation are extremely important for the Polish and Norwegian economies - says Justyna Kizlich of the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development.
The third day of the visit will be devoted to the Floating Wind Days 2023 event in Haugesund, during which participants will attend lectures focused on the development of autonomous offshore wind power plants. This event is being organised by another Norwegian cluster: Norwegian Offshore Wind. Additionally, the programme includes a meeting with a representative from Innovation Norway, who will present the principles of Norwegian cluster policy.
- Over the years, institutional cooperation has become increasingly important, providing opportunities to better understand the differences and similarities of the partners. In a long run, it is also a chance to implement innovative projects, which can include the construction of floating and autonomous offshore wind farms. Norway is the world leader in this field - comments Artur Janusz from the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development.
A study visit of clusters and business environment institutions is, above all, a learning opportunity, exchange of experiences and inspiration for further development.
- I make no secret that I have high hopes for this visit. I am eager to learn more about Norwegian institutions in order to understand their mode of operation, offer and secret of success. It is also an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge and observe thriving enterprises as well as innovative technological and organisational solutions - adds one of the participants of the initiative.