Positioned for the Pacific century

Innovation comes with international co-operation as technological diffusion from advanced economies fuels growth in emerging markets. With China aiming for technological leadership in what many acknowledge as the Pacific century, Norwegian expertise is within reach and beneficial to the goal.

"Norway and China business-wise are a good match - we are very often complementary, economically speaking," says Knut Sorlie, Beijing-based Innovation Norway regional director for China and commercial counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Innovation Norway is a pillar of Norway's international trade.

The two countries collaborate on climate technologies and environmental and welfare research through the Norwegian Programme for Research Cooperation with China (Chinor). With an annual budget of 20 million Norwegian kroner (HK$28.2 million) until 2017, Chinor funds basic research and industry-oriented research in its focus areas. It is open to new initiatives covering information and communications technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology, and other promising fields such as agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries.

Steeped in health care innovation, Norway can also play a role in helping China advance local capabilities. Norway's cancer research is concentrated in the Oslo Cancer Cluster (OCC), which is backed by more than 80 years of local expertise. OCC opened an innovation park last year to hasten the commercialisation of innovative cancer treatments in its pipeline.

Innovation Norway is well-positioned in Asia to advance Norwegian technological diffusion in the region. It has offices in Beijing and Shanghai, and is considering a third on the mainland. Its presence extends to Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Delhi and Jakarta - reflecting Asia's increasing importance to Norwegian business and industries.

"We want to build on our strengths - maritime, offshore oil and gas [O&G], energy including renewables, and seafood," Sorlie says.

The timing is right for the massive build-up of the region's liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure - a development that transforms the O&G industry.