Ocean Hyway Cluster receives Arena Pro status!
In September Ocean Hyway Cluster and 13 other clusters applied for Arena Pro status through Norwegian Innovation Cluster. Yesterday, Ocean Hyway Cluster announced that it is one of four clusters to receive Arena Pro status.
15. November, our cluster leaders, Stein Kvalsund and Kristin Svardal, participated at the Norwegian Innovation Cluster’s launch. Norwegian Innovation Cluster is a governmental financed cluster program that contributes to economic growth through sustainable innovation.
Despite budget cuts to the national cluster program and 14 applicants, Ocean Hyway Cluster is one of four clusters that receive Arena Pro status and has thus secured funding for five years from 2022 until 2027. This is a big vote of confidence from the Norwegian Innovation Cluster to continue the work on realizing hydrogen-based fuels in the maritime sector. Arena Pro is the level for advanced clusters.
From left: Håkon Haugli (leader Innovation Norway), Jannicke Andreassen (state secretary – Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries), Stein Kvalsund (CEO - Ocean Hyway Cluster), Kristin Svardal (Innovation Manager - Ocean Hyway Cluster), Ulf Eriksen (VP Hydrogen - Statkraft) and Bjørn Arild Gram (Minister of Local Department and Regional Development). Photo: Tom Hansen, Innovasjon Norge.
This is an important part of the governmental industry politics to create profitable and attractive jobs in Norway. Clusters have a big significance that also participates for the local societies. When actors collaborate this way, it is easier to instigate common research and development, and share knowledge and competence. Clusters are a great tool to strengthen the capacity of adjustment in Norwegian industry, says Jan Vestre, Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Great contribution from our board
Our cluster board was an essential part of establishing key points in the application. Cluster leader, Siv Remøy-Vangen, is thrilled about the new status:
This promotion is a strong signal that Norway is both investing and believing in hydrogen as a new energy source enroute to decarbonization. It is also an important recognition of the work the organization and the cluster partners have done so far. With the Arena Pro status we can continue to develop the industry further, and in that create new opportunities, value and export opportunities for Norway and our blue industry!, says Siv Remøy Vangen.
About the cluster program
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and Ministry of Local Department and Regional Department is funding the program, while Innovation Norway, Forskingsrådet and Siva is responsible for the operation.
