"Trust is crucial," said Inger-Lise M. Nøstvik, who demonstrated how strong connections between research, business, and the public sector strengthen regional value creation and transformation. Photo © Sevens + Maltry
With its clear regional collaboration profile, Kunnskapsbyen and the innovation district NODE60 gained many new friends at the "Potsdam International Forum".
Closer international connections place Romerike on the European map. Kunnskapsbyen's strong network, with close collaboration based on trust, gives the region a clear position in the European innovation race.
The conference in Potsdam on April 15–16 gathered more than 100 European research parks, innovation districts, and EU stakeholders to discuss improving European competitiveness and how innovation can be scaled across countries.
Kunnskapsbyen and NODE60 were highlighted as an example of how effective collaboration platforms can connect research, business, and the public sector to strengthen value creation and transformation.
Effective Connection Hub
CEO Inger-Lise M. Nøstvik played a central role in the program and in discussions about innovation districts and strategic technologies. She has given Kunnskapsbyen a clear voice in several European networks. This can open new doors for new partnerships and collaborative projects – with direct regional impact.
At the conference, Kunnskapsbyen and the innovation district NODE60 were highlighted for their extensive experience in fostering collaboration between research, business, and the public sector. Romerike is regarded as an exciting innovation region for international cooperation.
The European Key
Nøstvik emerged as a key voice on innovation districts as tools to enhance Europe's competitiveness and the development of strategic technologies. One of her main points was that regions capable of fostering strong, interdisciplinary collaboration built on trust develop significant competitive strength.
"Kunnskapsbyen has long strived to be "Close to the World," and NODE60 aims for the fastest growth in Northern Europe. To be a strong innovation driver in Romerike, we must collaborate with leading innovation environments internationally, she emphasizes. This way, we can act as a locomotive for building "national teams" within new industries in Norway," says Nøstvik.
In Potsdam, she gave a lecture on how innovation districts, alongside cities, can drive regional innovation and how European regions can develop strategic technologies. The Battery Network, NORSAR, and Agilera were highlighted as key examples.
Expanding Our Scope
"We have long been eager to learn from other European players. Now, Kunnskapsbyen has gained a voice at the heart of the European discussion on how technology parks and innovation districts can bolster their competitiveness, particularly in light of the Draghi report's recommendations," Nøstvik explains.
She notes significant European interest in Kunnskapsbyen's partnerships, particularly concerning the interdisciplinary collaboration among key players from various industries.
The Potsdam conference has generated new contacts and potential partners across countries and regions. This strengthens Romerike's position within the European innovation network – and expands the scope for new projects in green transition and strategic technologies.
.avif)
.avif)
