Smart Innovation Norway has taken the leading role in establishing an EU network for business development in digitalisation and circular economy. The project is co-financed by the Research Council of Norway and Innovation Norway.

While there are regional development plans, the European Parliament is also concerned with addressing some major challenges to bring about increased growth, development and a better quality of life for European citizens. The European Commission has set six main political priorities for the year 2019-2024:

• A European green shift
• An economy that works for the citizens
• A Europe equipped for the digital age
• Protecting the European way of life
• A stronger Europe in the world
• A strengthened European democracy

In light of the priorities above, there are three main goals that Smart Innovation Norway will achieve through this initiative:

Goal 1: Establish a regional network of companies, research and academic organizations, communities and joint groups, as well as public authorities that have an international ambition.

Goal 2: Take responsibility for making this regional network a leader in motivation, awareness, guidance, knowledge and implementation of change strategies to compete in the European arena.

Goal 3: Identify regional advantages. Make the EU network and the Viken region visible and known to areas of expertise internationally, among European counterparts. Ongoing assessment of smart specialization will be appropriate in the long run.

Based on the network’s expertise and focus in the region, we have chosen to focus specifically on the following five main areas in the EU taxonomy: Information and communication technology, Real Estate, Construction, Transport and Storage, Industry, Water supply, Sewerage and waste disposal.