From 11 to 15 November, representatives from the Kurzeme Planning Region and municipalities participated in a knowledge exchange visit to Norway. The visit aimed to explore Nordic approaches to innovation, education, and cluster development, providing inspiration and practical examples for the sustainable development of the Kurzeme region.
Highlights of the Visit:
- Agder County Municipality – participants learned about successful utilisation of regional potential, including the ocean technology cluster GCE NODE, which unites over 120 companies operating on a global scale. More information: https://www.agderfk.no/
- EDIH Oceanopolis Digitalization Centre – attendees were introduced to technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics and their applications in coastal industries to enhance competitiveness and innovation. More information: https://www.dihoceanopolis.com/
- Norwegian Innovation Clusters Programme – the program supports clusters through a three-tiered system, offering comprehensive assistance ranging from financial to policy initiatives. More information: https://www.innovasjonnorge.no/en/start-page/our-services/clusters/
- Innakva Cluster – this cluster brings together companies focusing on the sustainable management and innovation of aquatic ecosystems. More information: https://www.innakva.no/
- Innoventus Sør – participants explored mechanisms supporting startups, including commercialisation and capital acquisition. More information: https://innoventussor.no/
Focus on Education:
- Agder Vocational School – participants learned about vocational and retraining programs tailored to the evolving labour market, including fields such as maritime studies, woodworking, and battery technologies.
More information: https://www.kompetansenorge.no/ - University of Agder – the university showcased innovative modular training programs in wind farm planning and management. More information: https://www.uia.no/en
The visit also included an exploration of Lindesnes Lighthouse, where participants gained insights into its tourism infrastructure and discussed challenges related to coastal tourism development. More information: https://lindesnesfyr.no/
Finally, attendees were introduced to the open-plan office environment of Agder County Administration, designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and flexibility among employees. More information: https://www.agderfk.no/
Outcomes of the Visit
The Kurzeme Region representatives gained valuable insights into regional development tools and mechanisms that support innovation, education, and business growth. Notably, the experience highlighted the significance of cluster and digitalisation strategies, which can inspire effective collaboration models and enhance regional competitiveness and sustainable development.
The visit was organised under the “Local Development, Poverty Reduction, and Cultural Cooperation” program of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism for 2014–2021, as part of the bilateral cooperation fund initiative implemented by the Kurzeme Planning Region, titled “Strengthening Baltic-Nordic Regional Ecosystems for Coastal Areas Through Cooperation and Developing Clusters”.
For more information:
Viktorija Reine
Project Manager
Kurzeme Planning Region
viktorija.reine@kurzemesregions.lv
