Olav Bardalen, Presentation at the TCI2018 European Conference Sofia

2. Clusters as partners for change
processes in SMEs
TCI European Conference 20-22 March 2018
Session: Transitioning from Traditional to Modern Sectors
Olav Bardalen, Innovation Norway
Special advisor; Clusters and networks
olav.bardalen@innovasjonnorge.no

3. The Norwegian Cluster program – Clusters as change agents
Arena – New and immatureclusters
Norwegian Centres of Expertise–
Mature clusters with a national
position
Global Centres of Expertise –
Mature Clusters with a global
position
Transforming mature industries
NCE Raufoss
Creating new industries
Arena Solar Energy Cluster

4. Exploring new areas of opportunities
Clean Energy
Health and welfareOcean Space
Smart
Communities
Creative industries Bio economy
All clusters shall relate their strategies to the SDG’s

5. Clusters with a well-developed and available technology base
• Building a strong technology base based
on a long-term collaboration with R&D
• Creating an open innovation platform for
SMEs – and a culture for sharing
• Setting up shared test- and demo
facilities
• Crossing borders to other clusters and
sectors

6. A new program scheme: Clusters as motors for transformation
Helping SMEs to start or accelerate change prosesses in order
to renew products, services, prosesses and business models
Program strategy:
Selected clusters will share their competence with the SMEs
through tailor-made contributions
Digital
technologies
Advanced
productionTarget group:
• SMEs with a growth potential and motivation and resources
to «train with the best»
• Individually or in a group with other SMEs

7. Digital technologies: Digital transformation,
prototyping, innovation processes
Two cluster partners have been selected
Announced by the Minister of trade and fisheries Nov. 1 2017
Advanced manufacturing: Automated
production processes, material technology,
lean production

8. Program model and services
1. Mobilizing SMEs
2. Checking needs and
readiness
3. Setting up a
collaborative project
4. Implementing the
project
• Mobilizing events
• Clusters and networks
• Innovation Norway
Available services:
• Tailor-made courses
• Strategic workshop
• Strategic advisory
• Company visits
• Feasibility studies
Each cluster partner has a
dedicated and
experienced advisor
Resources:
Steps:
• Selecting contributors
from the cluster
• Selecting and adapting
services
Cluster resources
• Cluster team
• Cluster companies
• R&D and educational
institutions
2018:
220 companies to have
received support from
the clusters
Innovation Norwayco-
financing the project

9. SMEs Clusters International environments
Building bridges between industry and leading international innovation hubs