In the meeting in Kristiansand, Ellingsen and other executives were given an opportunity to comment on the current situation in the region.
Ellingsen emphasized the need for research, development and innovation to secure the world-leading position held by NODE-companies, and to explore new markets for current technology.
Ellingsen also commented on decommissioning and plug & abandonment as a new market, and stressed the importance of Mechatronic Innovation Lab (MIL), a national pilottest-facility in Grimstad. MIL received MNOK 20 in the revised national budget for 2015, but still needs another MNOK 80 in 2016.
Among the companies and organizations attending the meeting were: National Oilwell Varco, Elkem Solar, Sparebanken Sør, Agder Energi, Applica Consulting, Sparebanken Sør, NCE Eyde, Arena Digin and NHO Agder.
