Business in Stavanger
Why Stavanger?
With its strategic focus on green transition, advanced technological infrastructure, and vibrant startup ecosystem, it’s an ideal region for businesses and investors looking to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Whether in energy, technology, aquaculture, or other forward-thinking industries, Stavanger offers a unique blend of talent, opportunity, and market access to grow your business.
Investing in Stavanger means investing in a sustainable future — one where expertise, innovation, and green growth converge to drive both regional and global progress.
Leading the Green Transition
If Stavanger succeeds in the green transition, Norway succeeds. With over 60 years of experience as the heart of Norway’s oil and gas industry, Stavanger’s expertise is now driving the shift towards a more sustainable, greener economy. This transition isn’t just about energy; it’s about utilizing the region’s vast knowledge—from engineering to project management—to reshape industries for a low-carbon future.
A Hub of Expertise and Innovation
Stavanger is home to some of Norway’s most active and growing industrial clusters. Key players like Energy Transition Norway and the Norwegian Offshore Wind Cluster are pioneering efforts to shift the energy sector toward renewables, particularly wind power. Stavanger’s legacy in oil and gas gives it a unique advantage as the region repurposes its world-class engineering, project management, and technological expertise for a sustainable future.
A Region in Constant Transformation
From its origins as a canning town to its rise as Norway’s oil capital, Stavanger has always thrived through adaptation. Today, it is transforming from an oil hub to a green energy capital. The region boasts a highly skilled and tech-driven business community, offering companies a distinct competitive edge in the global race toward sustainability. Stavanger’s unique capabilities in digitalization, automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence further enhance its position as a leader in this transformation.
Pioneering New Industries
Stavanger’s tech ecosystem is not only helping drive the green transition but also opening up entirely new industries. The region’s expertise in cutting-edge technologies makes it difficult to replicate by competitors, giving local businesses a significant advantage in international markets. Many of the startups and companies emerging from the region have high-value creation potential, positioning Stavanger as a fertile ground for businesses seeking sustainable growth.
A Thriving Startup and Innovation Ecosystem
Since 2015, Stavanger has fostered a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurs and innovators. With a mix of co-working spaces, startup programs, clusters, and access to venture capital, the region has become a hotbed for new business creation. In 2021, Stavanger set records for new business formations, ranking second in Norway, just behind Oslo, in terms of new startups.
Strength in Aquaculture and Ocean Industries
In addition to energy, Stavanger is also a leader in aquaculture. The region is Norway’s fourth-largest aquaculture municipality and is a heavyweight in research and technology related to the marine sector. As the industry expands from fjords to open seas, Stavanger’s expertise in aquaculture will have far-reaching effects, with ambitious goals to increase production and adopt innovative technologies for future food production.
The region’s combination of fjords and archipelagos offers unique opportunities for expanding aquaculture. Stavanger already has the space, resources, and cutting-edge facilities—such as test centers for new species—to support the future of sustainable seafood production.
Contact information
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Anne Woie
Head of Economic Development and International Affairs
- Mobile phone:
- 995 12 623
- Phone:
- 51 50 73 48
- E-mail:
- anne.woie@stavanger.kommune.no
Birger Haraldseid
Energy Advisor
- Mobile phone:
- 908 93 186
- E-mail:
- birger.haraldseid@stavanger.kommune.no
Even Eide
International Relations Advisor
- Mobile phone:
- 469 61 884
- E-mail:
- even.eide@stavanger.kommune.no
