A strategy provides direction and focus and is an important tool for the day-to-day work of the cluster administration and participating companies. A lot has changed since the previous strategy was formed. We have lived through a pandemic, seen the outbreak of a war in Europe, and been surprised by the fast technology transfer from oil and gas to other industries such as offshore wind, hydrogen, carbon capture, aquaculture, and marine minerals.
For most companies the transfer of competence and technology from fossil to green energy is central. This is reflected in the GCE NODE strategy and in GCE NODE everyday life.
We are grateful to the many companies and their employees for spending time helping us put into words what GCE NODE should be, and what the cluster and its administration should work for and aim to accomplish. Thank you to all who have contributed to the process!
For more than ten years, GCE NODE has enjoyed having a highly competent administration. This is well documented by Gold Label certifications that take place every three years.
Gold Label certification started in 2012, and in the same year GCE NODE was one of only three European clusters to qualify for the Gold Level. Following the fifth evaluation this spring, the evalua- tors concluded: “GCE NODE is among the best clusters in Norway, and the Norwegian clusters are among the best in the world. It is increasingly difficult for GCE NODE to find ways to improve.”
To be awarded a Gold Label, the cluster administration must score a minimum of 80 out of 100 points. GCE NODE recorded a score of 95 points!
They say there is a time for everything, and that everything must come to an end. For me personally, my time at GCE NODE is coming to an end. I have accepted a new responsibility outside of GCE NODE and the Board of Directors has initiated the recruitment process for my successor. I am truly thankful for the years I have been entrusted to head the cluster. It has been an honor and a pleasure, and I look forward to following the progress of GCE NODE also from a certain distance.
