The entire Agder business community is joining forces with the public sector to establish a long-term effort to increase the region's attractiveness.
The regional collaboration project Vekst i Sør (Growth in the South) will help to strengthen Agder's reputation, with the aim of boosting the region as a place to live and work.
- Agder will take a leading position in the green shift, and we are well equipped to win the competition for the best people. We are ready to welcome newcomers and employees and can offer a good life in a region that is easy to establish.
- But we know that companies have an unmet need for skills, which is why it is absolutely necessary to roll up our sleeves to highlight the opportunities that exist here," says Trond Backer, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce in the Kristiansand region.
Broad collaboration
Business Region Kristiansand and the Business Alliance in Agder are leading the project, with contributions from UiA, GCE NODE, Lister Nyskaping, the Eyde cluster, Agder County Council, Arendal Municipality and Grimstad Municipality.
- "Having so many people on the team strengthens our chances of success. It is absolutely essential that we all pull in the same direction. The long-term positioning work in connection with increasing Agder's attractiveness requires good cooperation and coordination across the region," says Susanne Lende, business advisor at Business Region Kristiansand.
- That's why we need to do a better job of highlighting the fact that Agder is a business-friendly region. There is growth and optimism here, especially in the energy sector. The Norwegian offshore wind adventure is being realized, and this is also of great importance for the supplier industry in our region," says Backer.
A long-term effort
The pilot project Vekst i Sør recently received a grant of NOK 375,000 from Agder County Council. A possible main project will involve a much larger joint venture and will run for a period of 3-5 years. In the application text, particular emphasis is placed on the fact that Southern Norway and Agder are investing in positioning themselves in the green shift, and that this requires increased migration of skills.
- Immigrants often bring their families with them, and it is therefore important to highlight all living and working opportunities in the region, regardless of industry. This includes the natural environment, urban qualities and cultural and adventure offerings.
Written by: Håkon A. Repstad (Næringsforeningen i Kristiansandsregionen)
