Have: A health research hub. ISO: Commercialisation opportunities

A recent report by EY, commissioned by cluster participants in the Greater Bergen, concludes the region has a both well-functioning healthcare sector and a world-leading research community. Both the PCR test and the discovery of the leprosy bacillus and the guidelines to avoid sudden infant death syndrome originates from Bergen. 

The report is the starting point of a cohesive strategic effort to facilitate a health industry growth in the region. You can download the report here.

The Norwegian government has also launched a healthcare initiative with 15 measures to enhance the Norwegian healthcare industry internationally.

Increased global demand

The demographic megatrend, with an aging population, is a key driver for increased demand for healthcare products and services. There is a strong global drive to develop new technologies and medications.

But despite the fact that Greater Bergen is producing important research and knowledge, the health industry still represents a very small part of the region’s economy. While there has been gradual growth in the number of companies and their revenue over the past eight years, few have succeeded in gaining significant market share outside Norway. Respondents also point out challenges like long development cycles and sales processes, that we still work in silos and lack sufficient collaboration across actor groups.

An important recommendation in the report is a broad collaboration and the forming of public-private partnership to unlock the potential.

Niche market leaders

- We believe Greater Bergen has what it takes to take part in the growing industry. We have business support systems, research facilities and a history of medical heritage, says director Tone Hartvedt in Invest in Bergen, a part of the report commissioning cluster.

Greater Bergen already have health industry companies who are market leaders in certain niche areas in this expanding market.

An example is Nordic Neuro Lab, who for over 20 years has developed a fMRI hardware system simplifying and standardizing implementation of functional MRI in clinical environments. The Bergen based company has a global customer base and expects a turnover of NOK 120 million in 2024.

- There is no doubt the fMRI research from Bergen prepared the grounds for our commercial product, said CEO Thomas Lie Omdahl in a company presentation. 

Discover how your business can find your place in this innovative and science-based value chain and tap into the expanding global health market.

Contact us here.