Mapping Nordland’s Innovation Systems

System Mapping (2024-ongoing)

Fabric+, in partnership with DiveOpp, is identifying and mapping key actors within the innovation system, with a particular focus on those connected to the space industry in Nordland County.

Photo by Johny Goerend

  • Identify sectors within Nordland’s business landscape that possess competencies related to the space industry, particularly in upstream activities, to highlight prospective groups that could engage with this sector.

  • Assess the level and effectiveness of collaboration among system actors, using successful examples to encourage further cooperation.

  • Develop a visual map to clarify roles, relationships, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement within the innovation system.

  • Analyze and apply best practices from successful innovation systems in other countries, using proven strategies and models to strengthen Nordland’s local innovation ecosystem.

Key Goals

Main Deliverable
System Map

Client
Nordland fylkeskommune

Collaborators
DiveOpp

Location
Nordland / Norway

Key Fabric+ services

  • Innovation in services and systems

In-charge
Siri Arntzen-Ratnarajan

Challenge

Andøya, with its unique location and 60-year legacy in space exploration, is Norway’s strongest asset in the emerging space economy. Positioned to become Europe’s gateway to space, Andøya Spaceport offers Nordland a strategic entry point into the space industry’s value chains. However, geographic proximity alone does not ensure that local businesses can fully capitalize on this opportunity. For Nordland to succeed, a robust innovation system is essential to drive regional development and foster broad participation in the space sector.

What are Innovation Systems?

An innovation system refers to the network of companies, research institutions, support agencies, public actors, and others that collaborate, share knowledge, and learn from one another to promote innovation, knowledge transfer, and economic growth.

Understanding an innovation system involves analyzing how learning and interaction occur among various actors, the demand for knowledge, the tools employed, and how these factors influence the region's capacity for innovation. An effective innovation system allows a region to connect with new industries as opportunities arise, making it critical for Nordland’s system to function well as it seizes this generational opportunity.

  • By combining expertise in innovation systems, data analysis, and system mapping, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the actors, interactions, and support structures available. We will highlight best practices from Nordland and internationally and identify areas for improvement.