"Oslo Science City represents the entire health industry value chain, from basic research to commercialization. We look forward to engaging in this initiative," says Christine Wergeland Sørbye, CEO of Oslo Science City.
In June, Norway's health sector was selected as a national export promotion initiative. The goal is to boost value creation, increase the number of knowledge-based jobs, and achieve a 50 percent rise in Norwegian non-oil and gas exports by 2030. Today, Jan Christian Vestre, the Minister of Trade and Industry, and Ingvild Kjerkol, the Minister of Health and Care Services, unveiled the government's strategy for strengthening the health industry.
The announcement, made at the Research Park, comes just before Norway's most important forum for health and life sciences: the Oslo Science City Arena conference Norway Life Science 2024. Christine Wergeland Sørbye, CEO of Oslo Science City, finds the government’s strategy promising:
"It’s heartening to see the government's comprehensive approach to propelling the health industry forward, emphasizing collaboration across public and private sectors. Oslo Science City integrates the entire health industry value chain, from basic research to commercialization. We look forward to engaging in this initiative," she comments.
Billions in Potential
In 2021, the Norwegian health industry reported sales of 65 billion kroner, with exports accounting for about 22 billion. A report by Boston Consulting Group, presented at the previous year's Norway Life Science conference, projected that exports from this sector could triple over the next decade.
"Analysis shows Norway is a strong competitor in health research globally. However, we've lagged in translating this research into commercial ventures compared to other countries. Leveraging the wealth of research-based knowledge presents a significant opportunity," Wergeland Sørbye notes.
Per Morten Sandset, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at the University of Oslo, highlights the university’s commitment to leading this endeavor:
"We aim to be an outward-facing institution, actively engaging with society. The knowledge we generate is crucial for Norway’s future value creation. Initiatives like Oslo Science City are key to ensuring our cutting-edge research finds practical applications," Sandset says.
Fostering Public-Private Partnerships
Oslo Science City is uniquely positioned to nurture the health industry, especially through public-private partnerships and innovation partnerships between public health services and the private sector. The innovation district is home to Norway's leading startup ecosystem for health, including incubators at Oslo Science Park and Oslo Cancer Cluster, and counts both primary and specialty care providers among its members.
"Oslo Science City was founded to foster value-creating collaboration between the public and private sectors and the research community. We aim to establish innovation partnerships that match the health services' needs with the innovative capabilities of startups and established firms, developing patient-centric solutions," emphasizes Wergeland Sørbye.
A Commitment to Growth
Attracting international talent, businesses, and investors is another strategic focus for building the Norwegian the health industry. Øyvind Såtvedt, Head of Section at the City of Oslo, shares that this is an important priority both for the city administration and the innovation district Oslo Science City.
"Our ambitious vision for Oslo as a knowledge capital includes a strong health industry. Oslo’s high quality of life is a key asset in attracting more companies and skilled professionals," Såtvedt remarks.
Leif Rune Skymoen, CEO of the Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry in Norway, underscores the readiness of both domestic and international firms to support the success of Norway's health industry efforts:
"We already have the necessary foundations, including robust research environments and entrepreneurial companies with significant export earnings. Large international companies are investing in Norway. Our next step is to expand production capacity to accelerate health industry growth," Skymoen concludes.