About Innovation Norway
Innovation Norway is the Norwegian Government’s and the county authorities’ most important instrument for realising value-creating business development, restructuring, green growth and development of export opportunities for companies throughout the country.
For Norwegian companies, Innovation Norway will be the door-opener to the business support system, and is a sparring partner offering capital, expertise and networks to companies with growth ambitions, both individually and in networks. This includes connecting companies with private and public actors who can help — both nationally and internationally.
Exports and internationalisation
Through its 19 regional offices, Innovation Norway is in close contact with Norwegian trade and industry wherever they are located. For companies seeking to invest internationally, Innovation Norway’s 27 offices in 22 countries can actively facilitate export-oriented initiatives in the most important markets for Norwegian trade and industry.
Assignments from owners
Innovation Norway’s activities are based on annual assignment letters from various ministries and county authorities. The main assignments involve innovation and internationalisation, regional business development and funding. In addition, Innovation Norway receives assignments related to agriculture, travel and tourism profiling and EEA Norway grants.
Triggering opportunities
The aim is to trigger commercially and socio-economically profitable business development, and realise the commercial potential of the regions. This is achieved by contributing to more successful entrepreneurs, more companies with growth potential and more innovative business communities.
Innovation Norway was established in 2004 through a merger of the Norwegian Industrial and Regional Development Fund (SND), the Norwegian Export Council, the Norwegian Tourist Council and the Government Consultative Office for Investors. This merger was a door-opener for Norwegian trade and industry to a regionally, nationally and internationally oriented business support system for innovation and business development.
51 percent of Innovation Norway is owned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, and 49 percent by the county authorities. Innovation Norway is organised as an enterprise established by special legislation, where the Board of Directors is independently responsible for its operations and the results achieved.