New Expert to AEC´s Blue Economy Working Group

The Arctic Economic Council´s (AEC) Blue Economy Working Group (BEWG) represents a strong network within blue business development in the Arctic. Now they have welcomed Line Kjelstrup, Cluster Manager at Biotech North, as a new expert to the team.

– The Arctic countries have many equal opportunities and challenges, and we can learn a lot from each other. In order to create robust societies in the north, we are completely dependent on creating jobs based on our advantages, among other things within the blue bioeconomy. I look forward to represent the Troms and Finnmark County Council in the AEC Blue Economy Working Group and contribute with our knowledge, taking back inspiration from other countries in the Arctic and contributing to cooperation, says Line Kjelstrup.

Extraordinary Network
The Blue Economy Working Group (BEWG) aims to facilitate a pan-Arctic alliance of ocean clusters to leverage the knowledge, expertise and funding instruments throughout the region to fast track product development and economic growth in the sector.

The BEWG is chaired by Dana Eidsness, Director of Maine North Atlantic Development Office (MENADO) at Maine International Trade Center.

– That our members and invited experts in close partnership with the Arctic Council have succeeded in such a short time to establish a working network of ocean clusters and ocean and marine-focused economic development resources to support Arctic businesses is a significant accomplishment. Line Kjelstrup and Biotech North are wonderful additions to this extraordinary network, says Dana Eidsness.

New Opportunities for Business Development
Biotech North is a knowledge-based industry cluster within marine biotechnology. The company is located in Tromsø, Norway, and serves the biotechnology and biomarine sectors in the entire northern portion of the country. Kjelstrup was nominated as an expert to the BEWG by AEC member the Regional Business Development Office of the Troms and Finnmark County Council in Norway and approved by the AEC Executive Committee.

– We are pleased that our biotech environment is included in the work of the Arctic Economic Council. Our companies and development environment in Troms and Finnmark are far ahead and will now be able to further contribute to new opportunities for business development, both for companies here and in other countries that are part of the AEC, says Nils Arne Johnsen, Business Manager in Troms and Finnmark County Council.

– The AEC membership gives the business community access to a valuable arena for cooperation for increased value creation in our region and throughout the Arctic, says Johnsen.

Photo: Line Kjelstrup, Biotech North || Photographer: Marius Fiskum