One of the Norwegian Wood Cluster’s goals is to help increase companies’ export value by 40 percent by 2035, compared to 2024 levels. As expected, the results of this spring’s member survey show significant variation in companies’ interests and needs regarding internationalization.
Several of the cluster’s member companies already have significant export operations and their own sales teams, while others have no plans to export. However, there are several companies that have clear ambitions and are seeking concrete, practical assistance. The cluster will now make an offer to these companies.
Contribute to international growth
Interested member companies are now invited to express their interest in joining the cluster’s new Internationalization Working Group.
The plan is for Norwegian Wood Cluster will develop and offer its own an internationalization program for interested companies in the professional group. The draft program will be based, among other things, on the responses to the member survey and will be presented at the professional group’s kickoff meeting in August. Innovation Norway provides SME support for such an internationalization program.
Practical and results-oriented
Project Manager Knut Amund Skatvedt says the program is designed to be practical and results-oriented
“The goal is to drive real progress and set companies up for success, not just to increase awareness,” says Skatvedt.
The preliminary plans are that thethe work will focus on:
- Export Strategy and Strategic Market Selection
- Specific entry strategies for new markets
- Building Networks and Partnerships
- Experience-based learning and knowledge sharing
To achieve this, experienced member companies that have already achieved international success will be invited to share their practical advice and case studies with companies in the start-up phase.
Close ties to leading academic communities
In addition to sharing experiences within the cluster, NWC will actively engage its strategic partners. This will make it easier for companies to access relevant support measures:
- Innovation Norway: Provides market insights, consulting services, and access to international networks.
- Eksfin: Provides financing solutions and risk-mitigation measures.
- Treteknisk: Brings solid industry expertise and professional expertise to the table.
- Kristiania University College: Provides cutting-edge expertise in strategy, marketing, and business development.
Kickoff on August 26
There are plans to bring together the participating companies for a kickoff meeting on August 26. The goal is to clarify shared ambitions and needs, identify specific market opportunities, and determine which initiatives should be prioritized in the internationalization program.
At the kick-off event, we will also receive information about Innovation Norway’s services.
– The event has a clear focus on sharing experiences, addressing specific challenges, and identifying the next steps in each company’s internationalization process. “The goal is for the kick-off to provide a solid foundation for the work ahead—and to help ensure rapid progress,” says project manager Knut Amund Skatvedt.
The kick-off event marks not only the launch of the expert group, but also an important step in NWC’s efforts to strengthen the cluster’s international competitiveness. The experience gained here will ultimately benefit more member companies.
Would you like to join us?
The task force will consist of a small group of member companies with specific goals. The insights gained here will be shared over time, so that the entire cluster can benefit from them. Project Manager Knut Amund Skatvedt will assist in developing and implementing the internationalization program, while Cluster Manager Berit Sanness will manage the expert group for the time being.
If you missed the member survey and would like information about internationalization, please contact:
