Subsea Valley – stretching from Oslo to Notodden consists of a rapidly growing cluster of companies with a combined market share of 70 percent of the global subsea market. Preben Strøm heads the cluster with HQ at busy Asker Railway Station.
Oslo Business Memo: What is the purpose of Subsea Valley?
Preben Strøm: – Together with our 220+ member companies we develop a global knowledge hub for the subsea industry, with world leading competence, innovation and development.
OBM: What is the innovation drivers for the subsea sector at the moment?
PS: Costs and competiveness are pushing innovation forward. There is always a need for new ideas and exchange of competence. The synergies between the subesea and the aerospace/space industry is a good example. In Subsea Valley we can improve our competiveness by learning from these industries, and that is also why we are focusing on tech-transfer possibilities during our conference in april.
OBM: – Can you mention some challenges for companies in Subsea Valley?
PS: – Keeping and continously developing our knowledge base will always be a big challenge. Knowledge and competence in general will, in the years to come, be the drivers for the development of our economy and global competitiveness.
OBM: Where do you see the biggest innovation opportunities in the subsea sector?
PS: As mentioned, the tech-transfer opportunities across industries will be an important factor. We have recently engaged in closer relationship with the Aerospace Valley Cluster in the Midi-Pyrenees & Aquitaine regions, consisting of
1 600 companies and establishments in the field of aeronautics, space and embedded systems. But also, a national focus and effort within R&D, both in the industry and through research institutions, will be important to drive innovation.
OBM: How do you plan to secure the supply of world class compentence in the Subsea Valley area?
PS: We are iscussing with several educational institutions in our region about how to develop higher education offerings and how we shall attract future students to the region, especially with emphasis on subsea technology. In order to continue to deliver world class products and services, we have to obtain world class knowledge and compentence.
OBM: How do cost saving programmes in the oil sector affect the subsea companies?
PS: – This is part of the reality for our members. We have to adjust and think even smarter. Cost savings affect many of the companies in the cluster now, we see some postponements of projects and a slowing down in new recruitment. At the same time, business is good. New contracts are being awarded at a regular basis to our members, but there is a much stronger focus on costs and efficiency.
OBM: As the fastest growing cluster in Eastern Norway, what is your goal in terms of members?
PS: We have a solid base of members today, and we get in average 1-2 new members every week. It`s important for us to communicate to our new members that value in the cluster is created through engagement and to actively participate in our different offerings. We have Arena status from Innovation Norway, and the Arena Programme promotes innovation through collaboration between businesses, knowledge and R&D institutions, and the public sector.