For the first time, a Ukrainian Cluster Alliance (UCA) delegation visited Oslo, the capital of Norway. The visit, held from October 14 to 16, 2024, was organized with the close support and cooperation of the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC). This report provides details and key takeaways from the visit.

Mission Context

After visiting three Eastern European countries (Poland, Czech Republic, and Romania), which have been focal points of the ClusterINT project for UCA cluster internationalization, Norway became the fourth focus country as of summer 2024. The reasons include expanding UCA’s internationalization geography, interest in Scandinavian countries, previous contact points with NUCC in 2023 and 2024, and cooperation with Romanian partners from Clustero.

Norway offers numerous attractions for Ukrainian clusters. Firstly, there is a shared cultural connection with Ukraine regarding values of independence, freedom, and self-reliance. Historically, Norway was under the control of neighbouring empires, and it only achieved independence in 1905. Over 120 years, the nation transformed from a backward, empire-dependent economy to one of the world’s most advanced. Notably, we were interested in sectors where Norway leads globally: innovation, smart and renewable energy, waste management, circular economy, and maritime industry. Below is essential information about Norway’s position in these sectors.

Digital Innovation: In the 2023 Global Innovation Index, Norway ranks 20th, reflecting steady progress in digital innovation. Due to its high level of digitized public services, Norway ranks 5th worldwide in e-government.

Smart and Renewable Energy: Norway is a world leader in electric vehicle adoption, with over 80% of new cars being electric in 2023. The country plans to phase out sales of combustion engine vehicles entirely by 2025. With more than 90% of electricity generated from hydropower, Norway leads developed countries in renewable energy. The country has a wind capacity of 4.8 GW as of 2022, with plans to double it by 2030. Norway is also heavily investing in offshore wind, including deep-water platform projects. It ranks among the top three countries in offshore wind farm development, potentially producing over 50 GW by 2050. Norway ranks first in the 2023 Energy Transition Index, thanks to its high share of renewables and efficient energy solutions.

Norway ranks 9th globally in the 2022 Environmental Performance Index in emission reduction and effective waste management, demonstrating strength in resource management and environmental protection. Norway recycles over 40% of household waste, which is expected to increase with new waste collection and recycling technologies. Norway ranks fourth in the 2022 Sustainable Development Index, reflecting its high environmental sustainability and renewable resource usage.

Meeting with Norwegian Clusters at NUCC

Circular Economy: In 2023, the share of recycled materials in Norway’s economy was about 2.4%, a moderate figure compared to other European countries. However, the government is actively working to expand circular models in industry and recycling. Norway aims to significantly reduce the use of primary materials and incorporate circular models across all key industries by 2030.

Maritime Industry: Norway has the world’s fourth-largest fleet and over 40% of new ships incorporate green technologies like electric and hybrid propulsion. Norway launched the world’s first fully electric ferry, “Ampere,” in 2015 and aims to replace all vessels on domestic routes with electric or hybrid alternatives by 2030. It’s noteworthy that Norway has achieved this progress with a population of only 5 million, after centuries of colonization by neighbouring empires. This trip was perceived as a new frontier for UCA clusters. Learn more about Norway-Ukraine business relations and Norway’s support of Ukraine during the war at NUCC’s website: https://www.nucc.no/

Meetings and Discussions

The two-day meeting and exchange program were intensive and productive, thanks to NECC’s support.

The Chamber organized meetings with partners, including:

• SMB Norway: Norway’s largest small and medium-sized business association, with about 5,500 members nationwide, covering most industrial sectors, such as construction, trade, industry, professional-technical services, and healthcare.
• Innovation Norway: The government’s primary tool for innovation and development, also serving as Norway’s official trade representative abroad.
• Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise: Norway’s largest business association, promoting profitable and sustainable business through security, accessibility, and political influence.
• SINTEF: One of Europe’s largest independent R&D centres, handling thousands of projects yearly for both large and small clients.

Meetings were also held with clusters including City Construction, the Norwegian Center for Circular Economy, the Cybersecurity Cluster, the Circular Economy Association, and other organizations interested in sustainable cooperation with Ukraine, such as Thommessen and Rud Pedersen Public Affairs.

NUCC Executive Director Kjartan Tveitnes gave a dedicated presentation to the Ukrainian delegation on the state of Norway-Ukraine business relations.

Since 2015, trade relations between the two countries have grown steadily, reaching a record turnover of UAH 22.6 billion in 2023. Key export categories include seafood and ammunition from Norway, with Ukraine increasing exports of oils, seeds, and related products. IT and digital services represent a significant part of international business.

In recent years, the Norwegian government has provided several financial instruments to support bilateral cooperation, planning to allocate €11 billion by 2030 for such programs. Non-governmental funds and private companies also play an essential role in financing bilateral projects.

Visit to the Circular Economy Association

The Ukrainian delegation highlighted key internationalization positions for 2024, including an updated project portfolio.

We also provided an in-depth look at the positions and proposals of our clusters and partners.

Our representatives showcased CleanTech and circular economy initiatives with Greencubator’s support from Daria Prokaza and the Circular Economy Cluster’s Dmitry Lazarenko. The Ukrainian Cluster Alliance’s (UCA) position in Advanced Manufacturing was represented by APPAU member, CEO of Azov-Control Andriy Kalantarenko, alongside AIM Group representatives Vlad Kadlubitsky and Marina Kachura. Dual-Use and Miltech topics were covered by Denis Svyatokom of the DUT Cluster, Olga Milvard, and Ihor Kotsiuba from the Ukrainian Cybersecurity Cluster. Alexandra Sladkova from the Lviv City Council also supported the delegation with insights, contributing a regional and municipal perspective.

Main outcomes of the trip

The preliminary results point to potential cooperation in the target sectors discussed. We have noted the following:

• Overall, we identified numerous points of alignment, shared interests, and opportunities across all targeted sectors mentioned above. We have decided to continue exchanges in these sectors regularly.

• Innovation Norway, a state institution supporting innovations, startups, and innovative clusters, offers significant potential for ecosystem collaboration. Prospects for such collaboration are being explored for 2025.

• The Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC) has expressed willingness to support UCA in organizing similar missions in 2025.

Almost all Norwegian partners we met with demonstrated interest in collaborating with Ukraine. The Ukrainian delegation members also shared their thoughts and feedback.

Our team sincerely thanks the UCA delegation for their visit and trust in organizing this event. We strongly believe in the great potential of bilateral cooperation between the clusters of Norway and Ukraine. During the meetings, we were once again convinced that Norwegian and Ukrainian companies share a common vision, values and goals, which allows them to move in the same direction. There are many opportunities for synergies and points of contact, so it is important to structure and coordinate them properly to achieve the best results. We are looking forward to continuing the dialogue and taking further steps in our cooperation!” — Anastasia Antonik, NUUC representative and main organizer of the meetings, comments on the results.

Overall, the trip to Oslo exceeded our expectations. Although it was prepared in a very short period of time, all the meetings were interesting and productive. For which we are very grateful to our partners from NUCC. We really saw great potential for cooperation in many sectors. Now, it is important to ensure effective continuation and follow-up — I hope that our clusters will demonstrate proper proactivity in this regard.

OLEKSANDR YURCHAK, CEO of UCA and Head of Delegation

The visit was very useful for the city in terms of deepening cooperation to modernize critical infrastructure. In particular, the city of Lviv has engaged Norwegian companies Bergen Engines and Cambi. The meetings allowed us to agree on visits of several Norwegian companies to Ukraine to develop renewable energy generation – Oleksandra Sladkova, Deputy Head of Municipal Infrastructure Department, Lviv City Administration.

The UCA Executive Directorate is grateful to the NUCC partners for co-organizing and supporting this mission, as well as to all members of the UCA delegation and Norwegian partners.

This material was prepared with the support of the European Union and the International Renaissance Foundation as part of the “European Renaissance of Ukraine” initiative.