Key Competitive Attractions
Nordland is Norway's second largest county, occupying northern Norway, bordering Troms, Nord-Trondelag, Norrbottens lan and Vasterbottens lan in Sweden, and the Norwegian Sea. The administrative centre is Bodo.
The key industries are fishing and maritime (particularly cod fishing and salmon farming), offshore oil exploration, and tourism. Many tourists are attracted to the Unesco World Heritage site of Vega, as well as the vast array of activities offered by the region; skiing, mountain hiking, whale watching, and fishing.
Mining has been a traditional industry in the region for many years, and there are many limestone, marble, and dolostone quarries currently active in Nordland. Dolomite is mined in Ballangen, Fauske, Vefsn, and Sorfold, and testing for potential gold mining in Bindal began in 2008. In addition, the port of Narvik is directly connected by rail connection to the affluent iron-ore fields in Kiruna-Gallivare, Sweden.
Nordland’s economy is rapidly diversifying, with the emerging innovative industries, such as aerospace and renewable energy, providing ample investment opportunities. Hydro-electric power is increasingly becoming a key sector for the region, due to the development of many dams, and the new Andoya Rocket Range conducts aerospace R&D and space exploration activities, known mainly for its satellite launches.
Assistance and Support For New Business Investors
In collaboration with key academic, governmental and industry bodies, Nordland County Council has created its own policies to stimulate R&D activity, and facilitate skills development.
These tools are collaboratively administered by Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Research Council and SIVA.
