Intermediary AS

Norway’s cities and regions each play a distinct role in the national economy, shaped by geography, resources and industry specialisation. This overview provides insight into key urban centres and regional clusters, highlighting dominant industries, business ecosystems and strategic relevance for international companies exploring the Norwegian market.

The Oslo region is Norway’s largest economic centre and the country’s leading hub for finance, technology, professional services and public administration. Home to the capital city Oslo, the region concentrates national decision-making, corporate headquarters, startup ecosystems and international business activity, making it a natural entry point for companies establishing a presence in Norway.

Primary industries:
Finance and banking, technology and software, professional services, life sciences, public sector, startups and scaleups.

Profile: Norway’s main decision-making centre and the country’s strongest hub for headquarters, investment, innovation and international business services.

The Bergen region is the commercial centre of Western Norway and a key driver of the country’s ocean-based economy. Shaped by its coastal location and long trading history, the region plays a central role in maritime industries, seafood exports and energy-related services, making it highly relevant for international companies operating within global value chains.

Primary industries
Maritime and shipping, seafood and aquaculture, ocean technology, energy services, media.

Profile
Norway’s leading ocean economy cluster with strong international orientation and export activity.

The Stavanger region is Norway’s energy capital and one of Europe’s most advanced energy clusters. Built around decades of offshore oil and gas activity, the region is now also a centre for renewable energy, offshore wind and industrial transition technologies.

Primary industries
Oil and gas, energy services, offshore engineering, renewables, industrial technology.

Profile
Norway’s strongest energy and engineering ecosystem with global industry connections.

The Trondheim region is Norway’s leading hub for research, technology development and engineering-driven innovation. With a strong concentration of research institutions and technology companies, the region plays a key role in developing advanced solutions for global markets.

Primary industries
Technology and software, engineering, deep tech, research and education.

Profile
National centre for R&D and innovation with strong links between academia and industry.

The Kristiansand region is an important industrial and logistics hub in Southern Norway, with close connections to continental Europe. Its geographic position and industrial base make it a strategic entry point for manufacturing and export-oriented businesses.

Primary industries
Manufacturing, process industry, energy equipment, logistics and transport.

Profile
Export-focused industrial region with strong European connectivity.

The Ålesund region is internationally recognised for its maritime expertise and advanced vessel design. Closely linked to fisheries and seafood processing, the region serves as a global niche hub for maritime engineering and ocean industries.

Primary industries
Shipbuilding, maritime equipment, fisheries, seafood processing.

Profile
Specialised global maritime cluster with strong export orientation.

The Tromsø region is Northern Norway’s leading centre for Arctic research, fisheries and tourism. Its strategic location makes it a hub for Arctic operations, research and emerging space- and satellite-related activities.

Primary industries
Fisheries, Arctic research, tourism, space and satellite services.

Profile
Knowledge-driven Arctic hub with growing international relevance.