Oil technology
The region has world-leading technology, expertise and businesses in oil services, particularly related to drilling equipment. The diversity of companies in the industry and the base of experienced, skilled people are key advantages for the industry. In addition, the establishment of the Mechatronics Innovation Lab (MIL) has made the region interesting for several technology companies originating from the oil and gas sector, both companies, customers and suppliers. There is widespread agreement that there can be great transfer value to other industries of similar complexity, such as offshore wind, solar power, wave power, modern mining, and transportation technology.
Blue Growth
There is great potential in blue growth! The knowledge of the companies in the NODE cluster and access to the sea and ocean gives the region the opportunity to further develop the ocean industries, for example through offshore wind farms or new ocean-based industries such as mineral extraction on the seabed, renewable energy from the sea, marine ingredients industry and marine bioprospecting.
Photo: Marte Krogstad, Kristiansand municipality.
Processing industry
The processing industry in the region has a long history and is still strong in the Kristiansand region. Many of the companies have foreign owners, which shows that Southern Norway has expertise that is in demand globally. The process industry companies are organized in NCE Eyde. The companies work continuously with research, development, innovation and measures to meet challenges in a global market and their impact on climate and the environment. Many of the companies are world leaders in their fields.
IT technology
With the IT cluster Digin, the IT education and academic environments at the University of Agder and the establishment of what will be the world's largest data park based on renewable energy in Vennesla, the Kristiansand region is taking an increasingly strong position in IT and technology.
Travel, adventure and culture
The travel, experience and culture industry is another major industry, and works together in the industry cluster USUS. The experience industry is an important growth industry in Southern Norway, and the industry has developed positively in recent years. The summer season is the most important, and the industry has broken its own records in recent seasons. USUS contributes competence, interaction, visibility and innovation between the businesses in the cluster. They have worked systematically and had a common focus in the industry on repeat business and the value of existing customers.
Health technology
Digin, the university's e-health initiative and Sørlandet Hospital Trust are laying the foundation for the development of future health technology in the region. The municipalities in the region have a special focus on welfare technology and are positioning the region as a national pilot in this area. In addition, the establishment of the National Response Center for Digital Safety Alarms has been important in attracting and developing expertise in the field.
