Preface
Norway shall be an attractive country for business activities, also including the health industry. The interplay of a successful private sector with the public sector provides the basis for economic growth and a strong and sustainable welfare state. Industry plays an important role in achieving our health policy goals related to prevention, treatment and care.
The Norwegian welfare system shall be maintained and further developed. Most countries are experiencing numerous challenges during these times characterised by war, demographic change, shortage of skilled labour, energy and climate crisis, as well as increased international competition. The recent report by the Health Personnel Commission underscores the importance of adopting new technology to meet the challenges in health and care services. Industry will have an important role in solving these challenges, and it will be up to them to seize the opportunities.
Acknowledging that industry has an important role in achieving our health policy goals was one of the primary messages in the White Paper «The Health Industry» (2019), which came about on the initiative of the Labour Party. It was presented by the previous government and received broad support in Parliament.
This roadmap is aimed at industry that develop pharmaceuticals, medical devices and digital tools, and provides their professionals with a larger tool kit thereby contributing to increased profitability and value creation in the health industry. We have had a close dialogue with stakeholders in the health industry. In autumn 2022, we met with stakeholders from the health industry and the health and care sector. Based on this the Government identified several topics that are particularly relevant for the health industry to succeed in its initiatives. These topics are highlighted in this roadmap.
A well-functioning health and care sector is important for each and every one of us, and for society as a whole. The sector is vital for the sustainable society of the future. This provides the business sector great opportunities to establish profitable jobs and create value, not only in and for Norway, but also on the global market.
Several ministries and several levels of government are responsible in dealing with the framework conditions for the Norwegian health industry. The purpose of this roadmap is to show the great breadth of the Government´s policies to promote and strengthen the health industry in Norway, and charts out the best course for the future thereby paving the way for the health industry.
Jan Christian Vestre
Minister of Trade and Industry
IngvildKjerkol
Minister of Health and Care services