Hordaland County Council
Key Competitive Attractions
The Hordaland region sits amid Norway’s world-renowned fjords. The area’s exquisite scenery and geographical position in Norway make it apt for industrial and commercial activity, as well as tourism activity.
Hordaland is a coastal region with ambitions to become one of Europe’s most innovative regions. Bergen is the administrative and industrial centre, the second largest city in Norway.
Hordaland has many successful industries, mostly consisting of SMEs. The main industrial areas in the region are Bergen, Stord, Odda, Husnes, Alvik, Oygarden and Mongstad. Bergen benefits from strong international connections and high levels of international activity.
Key Sectors and Products:
- Metals: ferrous alloys, aluminium, calcium carbide, zinc and ilmenite.
- Shipping and Maritime: advanced catamaran vessels
- Textiles: knitwear
- Automotive and Machine Building: remotely operated underwater vehicles, gas-fuelled engines.
- Food and Drink Production: tinned sardines, smoked salmon, fruit.
- Energy
- Electronics: microwave communications, satellite communications.
- Tourism: the main destinations are Bergen, Voss and Hardanger.
Hordaland boasts some of Norway’s top education and expertise institutions:
- The University of Bergen (UiB)
- The Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH)
- The Foundation for Social and Industrial Research (SNF)
- The Marine Research Institute
- The Norwegian Underwater Technology Centre (NUTEC)
- Bergen High-Technology Centre (HIB)
Assistance and Support For New Business Investors
Hordaland Council offers many services to help companies settle here, including grants, information and support. For more information about the financing and advisory options available in the region, please see our innovation portal.
Innovation Norway also offers numerous financial support schemes to develop innovation and technological activities in Norway.
