INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Smart and Dynamic
Norway is has an “ICT Smart” (Information and Communications Technology) population where 95% use the Internet. This is reflected in the ICT industry here – dynamic and hungry for success internationally.
In this day and age, literally everything is connected in one way or another to ICT. Norway is making the most of these synergies, and ICT here in this country has contributed greatly to Norwegian industry sectors such as Oil & Gas, Maritime, Renewable Energy, Life Sciences and other areas that absolutely require only the best within Information and Communication Technology products and services.
National Vision
As with other sectors in Norway, ICT activities here are well coordinated and well anchored in national strategy. A decade ago in the year 2000, the country implemented a national ICT policy called “eNorway” with the goal of placing Norway and its population solidly in the center of the “knowledge economy” in reference to ICT activities, business, project, use and industry.
This ongoing strategy, combined with educational opportunities, strong business and R&D within the ICT sector – as well as a number of organizations dedicated to making Norway ICT stronger both nationally and internationally - have contributed to continued success here in Norway. Two important ICT organizations here in the country are ICT Norway and Security Valley.
ICT Norway
ICT Norway is the ICT industry's association, representing over 350 members, working to create business opportunities, cooperative activities both within as well as outside of Norway, R&D projects, working to promote export of Norwegian ICT products and services – and working with the government and other investors in obtaining funding to nurturing of the continued growth of this thriving sector.
One of ICT important initiatives include “Green IT”. Green IT is the ICT Norway program contributing to a healthier environment through responsible and sustainable implementation and use of ICT products and services. Another vital program “Shift” encourages young people to study and work within the ICT sector.
In the autumn of 2010 in conjunction with Oslo Innovation Week, ICT Norway launched the program “UP! – The Road to Wealth Creation” - aimed to stimulate success for more Norwegian IT startups. UP! Is the competence program that will help lay the groundwork to help new players in the Norwegian IT world be able to take important steps in value creation process with skills, tips, advice and guidance concerning legal, finance, PR and other key areas.
For more information on this dynamic organization playing a central role within the ICT industry here in the country, see the website ICT Norway.
ICT Security Cluster
Data and Communication Security is becoming ever more important. With the world becoming “smaller” – more and more globalized – often as a direct result of the Internet, a strong and secure ICT environment is required. Security Valley is a Norwegian member organization that takes both the threat – and the opportunities – related to ICT security seriously, and is dedicated to addressing the ICT security threat and looking for future possibilities.
Security Valley has its headquarters in Gjøvik, Norway, and worked to achieve the highest level of security in relation to activities within business, academia and government. The organization is a member-based network cluster that brings together companies, educational institutions, as well as research and public organizations working to ever improve the “Umbrella of Security” within communication, transportation, logistics, finance and other areas where ICT has a role within society.
Security Valley operations are divided into four different main areas of activities that include: challenges related to law and policy issues; technology challenges; business-related – and not in the least – to define and combat consequences experienced by the consumer.
For more information about this dynamic organization’s vision, goals, activities and projects, see the Security Valley website.
