Business and Regional Development:

VRI Østfold - Research innovation and renewal in an industrial region undergoing restructuring

The main objective of VRI Østfold is to create a foundation for renewal and innovation in Østfold's industry.This can be achieved through developing and strengthening the interaction between the industry, research departments and public authorities within a limited number of priority areas, through co-operation within and between companies and through the strengthening of co-operation with similar partnerships in the Oslo region.

A foundation will be laid for the development of an industrial climate in the region which is prepared for future challenges relating to higher demands of competence, stronger global competition, flatter organisiation and increased participation, and higher demands for environmental and resource efficient solutions. Ostfold will be among the leading regions in Europe in the field of sustainable innovation, where social, economic and environmental challenges meet through innovative solutions.

The project consists of five sub-projects:

I. Strategic industrial analysis with focus on the R&D demands in Ostfold

II. Network development in preferential sectors in Ostfold
i. The packaging and food production industries
ii. Renewable energy, energy trading / ICT and the recycling industry

III. Recruiting companies to R&D activities and mobility
i. Brokering
ii. A commercial University College initiative.

The project is also closely integrated with the VRI Research project in Ostfold (See link to website).

VRI Østfold is a cooperative project involving the following partners: Ostfold County Council (who own the project), Ostfold Research (leader of the main project), Ostfold University College, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions and Innovation Norway. VRI Østfold also co-operates with the Arena project Halden Center of Expertise and Recycling Ostfold.