Norway has made technological breakthroughs in several areas that have advanced the field of medicine. But the country is perhaps best known for its world-class research and unique health data.
Building a competitive industry
Now, Norway is leveraging its competitive and natural advantages to build a dynamic, innovative and competitive health and life science industry.
Norway’s publicly funded universal healthcare system offers high-quality services to all citizens.
Norway has very high healthcare spending per capita and a transparent healthcare landscape.
The Norwegian government invests heavily in world-class infrastructure.
Norway is home to renowned universities, hospitals and research institutes, including the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience led by Nobel Laureates Edvard Moser and Mai-Britt Moser.
In Norway there is close collaboration between universities, university hospitals, research institutes, public authorities, investors, companies and entrepreneurs.
Norway’s outstanding health data has been collected systematically over decades and represents a unique asset for global research and innovation projects.
The data is organised into streamlined registries to ensure easy access and use.
Norway is one of the most highly digitalised societies in the world and has extensive experience in digitalising the healthcare sector.
Norway develops cutting-edge digital health solutions for diagnosis, prevention and treatment in a clinical setting and at home, democratising treatment.
Norway develops groundbreaking methods and technologies, with particular strengths in: AI, ultrasound, immuno-oncology, antibodies, cell and gene therapy, nanotechnology, radiopharmaceuticals, and in vivo and in vitro diagnostics.
Norway has access to clean energy, abundant clean water, advanced technology and effective recycling processes.
This enables Norway to offer reliable, sustainable production of high-quality medical products and components.
Biopharma is one of the areas in which Norway excels.
Advantages beyond expertise and technology
Norway offers more than advanced technologies, novel therapies and world-class services. It is a good place to do business for other reasons, too.
The health industry is strictly regulated to safeguard efficacy, safety and quality.
In general there are high regulatory standards for pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and digital health solutions.
Norwegian workers are trustworthy and well-educated, with a strong sense of autonomy. Exceptional critical thinking skills enable them to work independently and solve problems. As a result, companies can employ fewer workers in Norway, and many international companies find that labour costs are much lower than they assumed.
Industrial culture is built on trust, cooperation and a flat hierarchy, which also yields outstanding efficiency.
Norway has world-class infrastructure, especially digital infrastructure. The country tops digitalisation rankings in Europe, with nearly 100% Internet and mobile coverage and connectivity. Moreover, Norwegians are early adopters of digital technologies and possess outstanding digital skills.
Norway has strong R&D environments and industrial clusters throughout the country and government policies that support its major industries. Norway understands the value of international partnership and seeks it out.
While not an EU member, Norway is fully integrated into the European single market through the EEA Agreement.
Norway has a high level of political and social stability, consistently ranking among the world’s top countries for resiliency. The economy is strong and diverse as well.
Norway outperforms most other countries on the OECD’s Better Life Index. Along with a high standard of living, Norway offers a good work-life balance, public safety and a clean environment.
Excellent healthcare and higher education are available to all. Norway is known worldwide as a pioneer in gender equality, and provides generous family leave and universal, low-cost childcare.
TS
Tone Varslot Stave
Head of national export initiative on health and life science, Innovation Norway
