26 American top executives visited Kunnskapsbyen to establish new contacts and learn from Norwegian experiences in green transport and renewable energy.
Norwegian and American top executives met at Kunnskapsbyen to exchange experiences on the development of renewable technology.
The delegation was led by former Minister of Transport and Communications Ketil Solvik-Olsen and was invited to Norway by the Norwegian Consul in Atlanta. The visit took place in connection with the delegation attending the Nordic EV Summit in Lillestrøm – which is Europe's leading conference for electric mobility and zero-emission transport.
26 top executives from business, research, and public administration in eight states were part of the American delegation. The purpose of the visit was to establish contacts and learn from Norwegian experiences in green transport and renewable energy.
Seeking closer cooperation
Solvik-Olsen received assistance from Kunnskapsbyen to arrange a meeting with similar stakeholders in Romerike – to discuss common challenges.
Here they met businesses, entrepreneurs, research institutes, the municipality, and the innovation district NODE60, all of whom provided a glimpse into the developments in Romerike.
– When international players seek closer cooperation with us, we want to be accommodating. We put Romerike on the world map and showcase our expertise. At the same time, we gain new contacts who are relevant to our networks. For us, this is a pure win-win activity, says Inger-Lise M. Nøstvik, General Manager of Kunnskapsbyen.
Harmonization of regulations
It is undeniable that political divisions influence development. Norway and Europe are, in several areas, pulling ahead of the Americans – towards an all-electric future. Major development communities in the USA are keen to close this gap. They point out that all parties would benefit from closer cooperation.
Technological challenges related to electrification, particularly in the transport sector, received significant attention. Many were interested in the development of the battery value chain for electric vehicles.
The need to develop a common roadmap was highlighted, with stronger coordination and harmonization across national borders, to ensure universal solutions. The value chain requires a common, harmonized regulatory framework so that all actors can operate under uniform requirements and regulations.
