An ambitious programme
Norwegian Centres of Expertise (NCE) is an ambitious venture which has produced a number of good results.
In the summer of 2007 the number of NCEs increased from six to nine.
The NCE-clusters must be further developed to motors for industry development. They must speed up creation in regional business environments, through cooperation between companies, researchers, colleagues and public authorities. In addition, they must be internationally oriented.
The NCE programme has a long-term perspective. The companies which are participating are offered professional and financial support for development processes for up to ten years.
The programme has a total of NOK 47 million at its disposal for 2007.
To be part of an NCE network is for most companies less about money and public grants than about something else. This something else may be cooperation, synergies, infrastructure, internationalisation, recruitment and increased competence.
Participation in NCE is very highly regarded.
NCE has become a brand in itself.