Preface for Norway Exports ”Spirit of Stavanger”

The main objective of the Norwegian Government’s regional policy is to ensure real freedom of choice for people when it comes to where they live.

I see the attractiveness of places and the availability of jobs for everybody as a precondition to achieve such an target. This depends on a competitive economy, a well developed infrastructure and a first-rate level of local welfare and services. Our policy seeks actively to facilitate such communities in all parts of the country.

Stavanger and Rogaland are characterized by a balanced economy, spectacular scenery and mild climate. Evidence shows that the region is an attractive place to live. The central parts of the county have experienced high population growth for a longer period of time.

The economic structure of the region has a long history. The fertile agriculture of the area has proved important in the development of the local industry. Rogaland has seen a tremendous change in its economic structure from traditional primary production to hosting leading clusters in high-tech maritime and petroleum related industries today. Stavanger is the petroleum capital of Norway, with an international and dynamic profile. The city’s industrial development strategy emphasizes internationalization and international marketing. From a village based on fisheries and merchant shipping to an industrial city with the early canned goods industry and the present petroleum cluster, the city has in later years stimulated the development of one of the most dynamic regions of Norway.

There is, however, more to Stavanger than oil and gas. Food industry, transport, culture and finance also play a major role in the region’s economy. Rogaland is the food county above all, with access to high quality products from the primary industries and strong culinary traditions.

Stavanger is the centre of a vibrant region with a highly skilled workforce. The recent establishment of the University of Stavanger further facilitates the development of the areas of knowledge and competence needed in the region.

Stavanger and Rogaland are characterized by a strong culture of cooperation and a spirit of entrepreneurship. This is manifest in business, civil society and not least in the cooperation between business and the public sector. This is often claimed to be an important reason for the success of the region.

I hope that the perspectives presented in this magazine will motivate individuals and enterprises to take a second look at the opportunities to live and invest in this region, but also in other regions of Norway.