Key priorities

Western Norway is part of the solution for the EU to achieve its goals. We have the green energy, knowledge and technology that Europe needs. The EU is a driving force in climate, environment and green business development, and knowledge of opportunities in the EU gives us a competitive advantage. In combination with financing opportunities, it can help to realize sustainable projects and green solutions in West Norway , for the benefit of the European community.

West Norway is a world leader in marine and maritime activities. Our geography and natural conditions make the region a knowledge bank and testing ground for innovative solutions. For the EU, the blue economy is part of the green solutions. At the same time, pressure on the use of the sea and coastal areas is increasing. West Norway can take a position in Europe by developing sustainable solutions based on knowledge of the resources and ecosystems of the ocean.

In the coming decades, the population composition will change noticeably in West Norway . More elderly people, lower birth rates, fewer working people and increased externalization challenge the current welfare model. Here we have a lot to learn from other European regions on how we ensure good service production with fewer resources, and we have a starting point for thinking about health and welfare technology as part of our industrial development.

The demographic changes we are facing will have major consequences for municipalities and municipal service delivery. We are facing recruitment challenges, while a large proportion of working-age people are outside the workforce. Demographic developments require innovative thinking and working together in new ways. This requires us to look at our attractiveness, our strengths in nature and destination development in a new way, while also including the voluntary sector to a greater extent in local governance systems. This can and should be developed in collaboration with other European regions, and with the help of European funding.

Digitalisation should provide citizens with access to efficient and secure services, and should ensure participation in civic life. The EU plays a key role in digitalisation through its “Digital Agenda for Europe” and investments in technological research and development. This will support the integration of new technologies and digital transformation in the region. In addition, it will provide the necessary knowledge to understand the opportunities and limitations that new technologies will bring to the future service production of its members.

Continuous development and use of new international leading knowledge is crucial for West Norway shall be a sustainable and future-oriented region. In order to succeed in the other strategic focus areas of the strategy, increased participation in EU programmes in research, innovation, education and lifelong learning is necessary. The region and the members of VNB have great untapped potential to link their own development work more closely to EU programmes and instruments. This applies in particular to major societal challenges and calls for proposals that require a regional partnership.

West Norway , as part of Europe, faces a complex security policy and climate landscape that requires resilient solutions to ensure critical infrastructure and security of supply. Our region has important energy infrastructure, central ports, a strong maritime sector, socially critical industries, and also important research and expertise environments. We must also create greater understanding of risk through information sharing, data security and international cooperation.