The Oslo region is a fast-growing knowledge region southeast in Norway, at the centre of the Scandinavian countries. More that one million people live in the Oslo region, which consists of Oslo, the capital of Norway, and the surrounding county of Akershus. Including the counties of Østfold, Vestfold and Buskerud, the greater Oslo region has 1,8 million inhabitants. That is more that one third of Norway's total population.
Access to advanced knowledge
Norway’s expertise within advanced technology, research and development (R&D) is clustered around the Oslo region. Almost half of Norway’s R&D activity is located here and the region provides access to the most highly educated labour force in Europe – a key advantage for innovative businesses operating in the region.
The Oslo region will contribute to the long-term goal of Norway becoming among the world’s leading, most innovative, dynamic and knowledge-based economies in areas where Norway has competitive advantages. Focus is on innovation and development of the following five knowledge-intensive clusters in the region through close collaboration between stakeholders from R&D, industry and public sector:
Strong, accessible and internationally oriented
Norway has gradually become one of the richest countries in the world. Today, it stands out as a modern welfare society with an exquisite quality of life. The Norwegian economy is open with a long tradition of welcoming foreign investment. It is easy to set up a business in Norway and Norwegians are seen as open-minded with a high proficiency in foreign languages.
Norway is not a member of the European Union, but through the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement all businesses set up in Norway have full access to the European Union’s internal market, regulated by EU law. As the capital region and dominant business centre, Oslo is the natural gateway to the Norwegian market and a preferred location for head offices and international companies. With short distances and a transparent community, it is easy to develop interdisciplinary collaboration in the region.
Unique lifestyle attractions
There are many sound business incentives for investing in the Oslo region, but equally strong are the lifestyle attractions of the region's unique blend of metropolitan life and tranquil rural surroundings. Oslo is home to a large international community and offers a rich diversity of music, cuisine, design and art. Justly famous for its clean air, stable climate and spectacular scenery, the region is a haven for all outdoor pursuits, including a wide range of sports. There are large scenic areas with public right of way along the fjord or in the forests and mountains surrounding the city region.
The United Nations' Human Development Index has ranked Norway as the best country in the world to live in for many years in a row. It is a safe and stable, well-functioning and transparent democratic society with a highly developed health and welfare sector, and has a leading record in equal opportunity employment.