Making Sense of Science

Check against performance

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests!I am pleased to make the opening remarks in this section, which focuses on crucial topics: the need for knowledge, sustainable solutions and the globality of aquaculture – in terms of industrial growth, environmental impact and global food security.

Looking at the programme as a whole, it is clear that the focus is on aquaculture research. How new knowledge is applied in the industry and how it can lead to innovation and opportunities for development of the marine economy. 

These perspectives are in line with those that determine Norwegian aquaculture policies, as outlined in the white paper on the seafood industry, which was tabled for the Norwegian Parliament this spring.

Aqua Nor is an excellent venue for the present conference.

This exhibition itself is a showcase for how research through technological innovation is put to practical use. Such technologies stimulate and facilitate further growth  in the seafood industry. In the White Paper we have pointed out the critical role of the technology-based supplier industry as a driver for further development in the aquaculture industry. This is true for the Norwegian domestic industry, as well as a more global context.

Action plan: Marine Knowledge Promotion

A key component of the Seafood White Paper is the marine knowledge promotion reform.  In order for Norway to assert its standing among international competitors, our seafood industry needs access to knowledge, know-how (and capital).  The Norwegian Government’s ambition for the seafood industry is for Norway to be characterised by its:

• internationally leading clusters
• cutting-edge research in areas of strategic importance
• industry’s systematic approach to competence building along the entire value chain

To that end, the Government will be:

• strengthening public-sector funding of marine research
• strengthening the research funding for industry via an increase in the research duty on domestic and imported products
• strengthening international alliances for marine research.

Earlier today, the main items of the Government’s action plan for Marine Knowledge Promotion were presented. The action plan is in follow-up to the HAV21 commission’s proposals for a national research strategy for the marine sector. It is intended to chart the course for a cohesive research drive in the years to come. The action plan also includes initiatives aimed at encouraging more young people to pursue a career in the seafood industry, and the need for relevant education and training provisions.

In addition, it is important for those already working in the industry to be given the opportunity for professional competence building.

The action plan will be presented formally at the end of August. 

The action plan gives priority to the public-sector marine research programme for areas of strategic importance. Given the realities of rapid change and development, it is important to adjust the map to the terrain at regular intervals. The action plan is to be a dynamic tool, and as such will be regularly revised.

The knowledge derived from research should not be arbitrary. The Government wishes to give priority to marine research and has adopted a proactive stance on making the most of our strategic advantages in the marine area.

The action plan, Marine Knowledge Promotion, outlines the Norwegian Government’s measures for an essential knowledge drive and knowledge development within strategic areas in the marine field.

The marine sector is extensive and, in addition to management of the sea and fisheries and aquaculture, includes a growing ingredients industry and supplier industry.

The supplier industry

A number of studies have shown that the supplier industry plays a key role as a driving force for technological advances in the seafood industry. This industry is in many respects a knowledge mediator and knowledge disseminator, operating between the research community and the seafood manufacturers. The supplier industry’s role is specifically to aid the seafood industry in making sense of science and finding applications for it.

The global outlook for the supplier industry is bright, but there is also a great domestic need for a strong supplier industry.

This a source of potential! I am convinced that interaction between the supplier industry and seafood industry can be enhanced and further developed, for example, by forming more extensive, long-term and binding R&D partnerships.

The marine supplier industry would very likely also profit from closer collaboration with, and knowledge transfer from, other marine industries such as petroleum and gas sector suppliers.

If we look at the petroleum and gas sector, a few years ago, the producers themselves played an active role in involving the supplier industry in a long-term R&D partnership. The initiative consisted of a so-called supplier development programme, the aim of which was to resolve technological challenges critical for the oil and gas producers. 

As you may be aware, today, Norway has a very buoyant and strong supplier industry in this area. The suppliers play a key role in the development of Norwegian petroleum and gas production. Moreover, this supplier industry has gained a good foothold internationally and contributes substantial export revenues to Norway.

Funding instruments

Within the marine sector it is appropriate to ask the industry and  institiutions responsible for public-sector funding instruments whether current R&D instruments are effective in respect of the marine supplier industry’s distinctive nature and needs? Are the schemes conducive to exports-driven enterprises, and to R&D partnerships between the different segments of the marine value chain, and between enterprises across the marine value chains?

Are Innovation Norway and the Research Council of Norway sufficiently well coordinated in this area?

As some of you will be aware, Innovation Norway recently amended its funding eligibility terms for the marine value-creation programme so that they now also include the supplier industry.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, the Minister of Petroleum and Energy and the undersigned have jointly requested Innovation Norway and the Research Council of Norway to consider other appropriate public-sector funding instruments. We have called for a proposal for how public-sector instruments may be better adapted to the need for R&D support in this sector, and regarding how the two main funding bodies might strengthen and coordinate their efforts in this area.

I am confident that the three ministries will receive a promising and well-founded response to this request. 

Given that we are at Aqua Nor, I would also like to take this opportunity to urge the seafood industries to consider their interactions with the supplier industry in long-range and strategic terms. For the short term, it is clear that the seafood industry needs both researchers and the supplier industry in order to resolve some of the most pressing environmental challenges the industry has ever been faced with. A strong, dynamic and internationally-oriented supplier industry based in Norway will, however, be crucial in securing the sustainable growth of the Norwegian aquaculture industry for the long term also. As I see it, for the seafood industry, as has been the case for the petroleum and gas industry, there is much to be gained from closer, long-term, strategic R&D alliances. 

A useful platform might consist in establishing a common understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the seafood industry. To that end, a conference such as this provides a valuable arena for dialogue between researchers, technology developers and seafood producers. The fact that this conference is being held to tie in with the world’s largest exhibition for aquaculture technology obviously adds unique perspectives to the discussions held here.

I wish you every benefit from the next parts of the programme of events, which I hope will provide inspiration and encourage productive networking.

Thank you.