Nordic Countries and Baltic States 2006

The Nordic Countries and Baltic States Region consist of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.

Jon Hansen manages this region.

The Nordic Countries and Baltic States represent two clearly defined areas. The Nordic Countries have a high technological level and a relatively high degree of research and development. The Baltic States represent the dynamic new EU countries with a high growth rate. The combination of these two regions provides opportunities for synergy effects with regard to production and the development of technology.

Estonia – a pioneering country

The traditional farming out of production is being replaced by the sale of goods and technological solutions. The ScanBalt network for health and life sciences has a number of projects that include countries from both regions. Estonia has managed in particular to present itself as a pioneering country in the use of IT solutions in a number of areas. This is attributed to the high primary science education level.

Øresund region, a centre for R&D

The Øresund region in the Nordic region represents a centre for research and development with its established networks for health/life sciences, environmental technology, food and ICT. This is the region that shows the highest growth rate in the Nordic countries. It has attracted increased attention based on the fact that several large international enterprises have established R&D activities and offices in the region. Norwegian property developers have also shown a great deal of interest in this region. The Øresund region also represents a demanding and affluent area. Sweden and Denmark are good test markets for small and medium-sized Norwegian companies that desire international experience.

Sweden – cooperation in the automotive industry

Special attention is devoted to sectors such as alternative energy, energy efficiency, environmental technology, medical technology and foodstuffs. In Sweden we are also looking at cooperation in the automotive industry. We cooperate with technological centres and networks that have the status of an Arena Network or Norwegian Centres of Expertise. We arrange seminars and projects with respect to innovation and financing, and research and development, in cooperation with the embassies.

Focus on cultural understanding

We attach a great deal of importance to cultural understanding, since Denmark and Sweden have different corporate cultures. Many Norwegian companies bring their Norwegian ways with them and experience difficulties that they do not understand the reason for. In the Baltic States there is a greater awareness of the fact that there are differences. The Nordic Countries and the Baltic States form an interesting region among the regions of Europe.