Recently, the "catapult center" jointly created by the Norwegian Elkem, affiliated with Bluestar, ReSiTec, Arendals Fossekompani and University of Agder was formally launched in southern Norway.
The concept of "catapult center" comes from the UK. It refers specifically to technical innovation center. As a country which has achieved economic transition successfully, the UK has led the world in innovation for years. In order to maintain the innovation ability, the UK government has established an effective innovation fostering system. "Catapult centers" under the supervision of the national innovation agency are quite distinctive, which have promoted effective connection between new technologies and the market. Elkem's participation in the joint creation of the "catapult center" in Norway aims to enhance the technological innovation capability and further meet the demands in the market for the innovation of special materials.
Currently, there are increasing demands for high-tech innovative materials in many production fields. However, low scientific research level and weak ability of independent innovation have become the bottleneck restraining SMEs from growing big and strong. The "catapult center" will carry out technologic R&D and innovation in special materials, provide bases for enterprises to develop and test new technologies, help enterprises reduce innovation risks, accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, assist SMEs in Norway in innovation and development, further improve the sustainable development ability and global competitiveness of Norway, and help Norway maintain its world-leading position in the area of materials technology.
H?vard Moe, Senior Vice President of Elkem Technology said that the fast growing mobile phones and electric cars industries are eager to promote the research and development of new products through cutting-edge special materials. It will bring enormous opportunities to the material industry. Industries like solar energy, electronics, oil and gas, wind power, construction and traditional automobile also hope to use innovative materials to improve their product performance. The establishment of the "catapult centre" can help Norwegian enterprises to accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, so as to win the upper hand in the fierce competition.