Preface

We have engaged Team A-lab with some of the most experienced urban developers and designers in Norway and some of the world’s best architects to conduct a feasibility study. For the first time, we assess the physical framework and conditions for a holistic development of a world-leading innovation district in the middle of Oslo.

Oslo Science City will help to position Norway as an internationally leading centre for innovation, knowledge-based value creation and sustainable solutions to major societal challenges.

Urban innovation districts bring together a critical mass of researchers, students, start-up communities, businesses and financial institutions. The location in dense, vibrant neighbourhoods promotes creativity and cooperation. Innovation districts stimulate interaction and innovation, they raise value added and create new jobs.

Oslo is one of the leading university cities in Northern Europe. In 2019, the City of Oslo adopted Campus Oslo - Strategy for the development of the knowledge capital. The establishment of Oslo Science City is a key component in the strategy. According to the strategy, better cooperation between education, research, business and the public sector must be a premise for urban development. It will contribute to increased value creation, innovation, transition towards a zero-emission society and new jobs.

Oslo Science City covers the area from Majorstuen via Marienlyst and Blindern to Gaustad and Ullevål. It also includes Campus Radiumhospitalet. This is Norway’s most knowledge-intensive area, with 300 start-up companies, 7,500 researchers, 10,000 hospital employees and 30,000 students. The University of Oslo is among Europe’s most highly ranked universities within several disciplines. Oslo University Hospital is the largest hospital in the Nordic region, and SINTEF is the country’s leading research institute. These key institutions, together with a number of specialized research institutes and strong start-up communities, represent a strong national force, now joining forces to establish Norway’s first innovation district.

Oslo Science City has been established in the form of a membership association, with the University in Oslo, the City of Oslo, SINTEF, Oslo University Hospital, the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, the Foundation for Student Life in Oslo and Akershus, Oslo Science Park, Oslo Cancer Cluster, Oslo Pensjonsforsikring and Ferd as members.

Oslo Science City will be a leading innovation district where the city, the business community, the knowledge environments, the start-up ecosystems, the authorities and the public sector will work together to develop new knowledge and take it into use.

Inclusive innovation districts also represent a pathway into the knowledge economy through cooperation with schools, and programs for education and working life. The climate, the environment and sustainability are keys to the development of Oslo Science City

In a rapidly evolving world, innovation is changing the way we live, work and teach. It affects the economy, the market and society as a whole. Cities around the world are actively positioning themselves to attract smart people and stimulate innovation through building dynamic ecosystems associated with their strong knowledge institutions. Oslo Science City will draw on the experience from the best in the world. Yet, the development of Norway’s first innovation district will also build on own strengths and be adapted to our culture and society.

TEAM A-LAB, with BIG BJARKE INGELS GROUP from Denmark, A-lab from Norway, transport planners from CIVITAS and the interdisciplinary design community COMTE BUREAU has made independent assessments of requirements and opportunities, based on the campus strategy and the strategy for Oslo Science City. Dr. Tim Moonen from London-based THE BUSINESS OF CITIES, with extensive experience from international innovation districts and deep knowledge of Oslo, has contributed as a strategic advisor. Leo Grünfeld, partner in MENON ECONOMICS, has on behalf of Team A-lab written this report, which summarizes the contents of the feasibility study. The Feasibility Study rests on an inclusive process where more than 450 researchers, students, managers, employees and residents in the area have participated in a number of workshops. They have been joined by key representatives from business, finance and the public sector. I am impressed by their commitment and grateful for all contributions. We hope the Feasibility Study will engage broadly. Oslo Science City will listen and learn, and bring views and assessments into the further development work. We look forward to wide involvement around the development of the first innovation district in Norway

A development project of this kind requires financing. Housing and commercial buildings will be funded through ordinary market financing, while multifunctional buildings will attract alternative financing solutions for research and teaching. There is a strong interest for investing in innovation districts all over the world, and Oslo Science City will attract competent capital, both nationally and internationally.

Oslo Science City will be great for Oslo and important for Norway.