35 people from Agder travel to Austin at the end of April to explore how the city works with innovation and technology. The business delegation includes representatives from local and regional government, industry and University of Agder.
Kristiansand Municipality, Vest-Agder County, Aust-Agder County and GCE NODE organize the trip, which takes place just prior to OTC in Houston.
“We will explore how Agder can learn from Austin and become an even more attractive host for companies already established in the region, in addition to be an attractive host for investors and entrepreneurs” says Anne-Grete Ellingsen, CEO of GCE NODE.
GCE NODE has been a pilot for Innovation Norway’s program to develop attractive host regions for ocean space activities. According to the recent Industrial Report (Industrimeldingen), Blue Growth is a top priority for new industrial development in Norway. Blue ocean growth is also a priority for Agder and the NODE-companies, and part of GCE NODE’s strategy to transfer existing technology and competence to new markets, such as offshore wind, offshore mining and aquaculture.
Day 1 of the two-day visit focuses on what makes Austin a magnet for entrepreneurs and tech companies, and how a city can cooperate to draw major investments and relocate companies to a region.
Day 2 focuses on increased efficiency as a result of implementing future technologies, industrialization and marketing of a region.
“Our expectation is that the Austin visit will increase our region’s competitiveness and build competence and relationships in addition to potential for research and development projects between Agder and Austin,” says Arnt Aske, Project Manager at GCE NODE.
