On the shores of the Oslofjord, in the coastal town of Horten, a quiet revolution has been underway for four decades. It is not one of roaring factory floors or steel foundries, but of precision tools, tiny sensors, and microchips small enough to fit on the tip of a finger. This is the home of Electronic Coast, a Norwegian technology collective that has been quietly shaping the future of electronics, both in Norway and beyond its borders.

“I’ve always been passionate about building bridges between technology, business, and society,” says CEO Linn Fagerberg. “As the leader of Electronic Coast, I see every day how collaboration can spark innovation and create value, not just for companies, but for Norway as a whole.”

What makes Electronic Coast special is its distinct edge: it operates at the intersection of deep technology and close collaboration between academia and industry. The cluster runs 12 specialist teams, each led by experts from member companies. The focus areas range from sustainability, robust electronics and embedded software to packaging technology, export strategies, and HR; all with a view to tackle real, industry-driven challenges.

“The key is that we work on concrete needs, not just trends,” says Fagerberg. “Our members shape the agenda, and the results are solutions that get used in real products, in real markets. In addition, our Made in Norway label from Innovation Norway tells the world that our products are authentically Norwegian, with quality and sustainability built in from the start.”

Right: Linn Fagerberg, CEO.

From Horten to the world

The story of Electronic Coast began in 1984, when a handful of pioneering tech companies in the Horten region realised something crucial: they were stronger together. At the time, the area already had a reputation for maritime electronics and high-precision manufacturing, but global competition was growing.

From 2006 to 2016, several of the members were key partners in the national programme Norwegian Center of Expertise, and the Electronic Coast association worked closely with the investment company Kobben (former MicroTech Innovation) and the University of South-Eastern Norway on network and cluster development, which in turn became a foundation for the research park as we know it today.

By pooling knowledge, sharing resources, and creating a common voice, they could compete on a bigger stage. “What started as a local initiative to exchange ideas and strengthen our capabilities has grown into a national cluster with global connections,” Fagerberg explains.

Today, Electronic Coast brings together more than 50 member companies; from innovative start-ups to industry giants, employing over 6,000 people. Together, they account for 40 per cent of Norway’s micro- and nanotechnology market.

The success can also be credited to their commitment to knowledge sharing and nurturing future talent, which they do through organising training for technicians and engineers, hosting conferences, and running hands-on events for young people. Events like LEGO League, TENK Tech Camp, and hackathons give students a chance to experiment, build, and innovate, often sparking the kind of curiosity that leads to lifelong careers in STEM. “We want the next generation to see technology not as something distant or difficult, but as something exciting that they can shape,” says Fagerberg.

Partnering for the next big leap

In January, Electronic Coast became a key partner in CC-NorChip, Norway’s first competence centre for semiconductors, chips, and sensors. Led by SINTEF, the centre brings together the University of Oslo, NTNU, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the University of South-Eastern Norway, and Electronic Coast to create a national hub of expertise.

CC-NorChip is co-funded by the Chips Joint Undertaking and the Norwegian Research Council, and is part of the European Chips Act, a multi-billion-euro push to strengthen chip production and innovation in Europe. CC-NorChip provides services spanning from idea to production; for example, access to cutting-edge facilities for pilot manufacturing, chip design, and prototyping, making these capabilities available to small and medium-sized enterprises. “This is about lowering the barriers to innovation,” says Fagerberg. “A great idea shouldn’t die just because a small company can’t afford the tools to bring it to life.”

Through the European Chips Act, companies can access Chips Fund, which supports start-ups, scale-ups, and mid-sized businesses in the semiconductor ecosystem, opening doors for Norwegian innovators to enter global markets.

Looking to the future, Fagerberg stresses that Electronic Coast’s essence always returns to collaboration. Whether in a boardroom discussing export strategies, a lab fine-tuning a new sensor, or a school gym where kids are building robots, the same principle applies: when people share knowledge and resources, the possibilities multiply. “Technology alone doesn’t change the world, people do. Our job is to connect the right people, with the right skills, at the right time,” concludes Fagerberg.

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Proud of its Finnish roots, Abau Design draws on a deep connection with nature to craft practical products that integrate seamlessly with their surroundings. The company’s mission is to help cities, landscape architects, gardeners and other visionaries bring distinctive ideas to life. “Ultimately, our goal is to invite people to spend more time outdoors – in comfort, in serenity, and with a sense of mindful enjoyment,” says founder Ilkka Kankare.

Each project combines flexibility and craftsmanship. Many are born from close collaboration with clients – and if a product does not yet exist, Abau Design will design it. From custom experimental planters and benches with integrated greenery to outdoor fitness equipment and bike-friendly solutions, the company delivers distinctive results tailored to each space.

IISALMI chairs and stool in a park in central Helsinki.

Evolving collections and a hands-on approach

While AITTA and NAANTALI remain Abau Design’s most popular collections, its range continues to grow. Each collection carries its own story and contributes to the brand’s identity. The LOVIISA collection, for example, is instantly recognisable for its signature lounger, shaped like a seabird gliding through the sky with its wings outstretched.

Abau Design’s products enhance a wide variety of public spaces – from beaches and recreational paths to parks, market squares, hotel gardens, restaurant terraces, schoolyards, kindergartens, residential courtyards, and beyond. “Our designs balance beauty, functionality, and a welcoming invitation to enjoy the outdoors,” Kankare says.

LOKKI lounger; a signature product of the LOVIISA collection.

The company works with a broad network of production partners to source almost any material. Its diverse wood selection – especially recycled timber – is a particular point of pride. “Logs that have served for a century or more as part of historic mansions can begin a new chapter as benches, tables, or loungers. Preserving that history and allowing it to live on in public spaces where new memories are created is deeply meaningful,” Kankare notes.

Abau Design delivers projects across Finland and abroad, providing installation support and repair services when needed. “One detail that often surprises clients is that we assemble our own furniture,” Kankare says. “The person putting together your bench may well be the same person who designed it.” This direct, hands-on approach makes every piece more personal and meaningful.

“By staying closely connected to clients’ needs and understanding each space in depth, we’re creating products that enhance not just function, but the soul of public spaces,” Kankare concludes.

Large swing at a scenic hilltop in Turku.

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Farstad Profilsystemer is built on generations of experience in glass artisanry. Manager Mette Farstad has a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration from the Norwegian School of Economics, and took over running the business in 2016. Her father, Rune Olav Farstad, was educated as a glazier – the youngest in the country to achieve the certification – and according to Mette, he may still hold that title.

Taking over his father’s glass company in the late 1970s, Rune was keen to cultivate innovation in the industry. Farstad Profilsystemer was established in 1991, and the business evolved over time, moving away from the typical window installations of traditional glazing companies and toward larger installations such as glass garden rooms and glass walls for office spaces.

Led by Rune, the company developed innovative new profile systems in glass and aluminium, which suppliers across Norway quickly took an interest in. Today, an extensive selection of more than 300 different profiles is available, and patented solutions from Farstad Profilsystemer are delivered by some 30 distributors around the country.

While Rune has now stepped back from day-to-day operations, he remains involved in aspects of the business, such as product development. “Innovation is at the core of what we do,” Mette says. “Our solutions should be flexible and solid, and they should be well-adapted to the individual customer.”

Farstad Profilsystemer benefits from a multidisciplinary team of highly skilled professionals, including glaziers, building engineers, and technical experts. The dynamic team combines decades of experience with contemporary design sensibilities, creating spaces that are both practical and attractive.

“We’re like a big family. Several of our employees have been with us for a long time and trained with my father, so they feel ownership and want to continue building on our solid foundations,” Mette says. “Our team has creative drive and embodies the innovative spirit – we want to be the best at what we do and continue to find new uses for these materials.”

Bespoke solutions built to last

Farstad Profilsystemer does not believe in the one-size-fits-all approach. Specialising in bespoke solutions perfectly tailored to clients’ needs and wishes, as well as structural considerations, the company is committed to helping customers bring their vision to life.

“There are no standardised solutions; everything is made specifically for each client using our own profiles,” Mette explains. “Since we have our own production and fully stocked warehouse, we’re able to deliver what clients want with a quick turnaround – no waiting for months for materials to be delivered.”

Delivering a range of indoor and outdoor solutions, the team believes in smart, aesthetically pleasing solutions that are made to last. Employing a patented click system that ensures clean lines, straight edges, and a sleek look, Farstad Profilsystemer is known for its commitment to innovation and high standards.

With a long and proud history that informs every aspect of its operations, the team is dedicated to quality and precision. “We’ve been delivering premium solutions to private and commercial customers for 40 years and know what will work best within a space, and our customers tend to appreciate our expertise. We will always adjust and adapt our plans to best suit the client’s needs,” Mette says. “A lot of people appreciate that these are sustainable, environmentally friendly materials that are durable and require minimal maintenance. Customers also value that they can drop by our large showroom, to see and touch the various solutions, and speak to members of our team.”

Farstad Profilsystemer’s glass and aluminium components are all manufactured locally at the factory located at Forus in Stavanger, which is one of Norway’s largest industrial areas. Alongside working directly with client projects for homes and commercial spaces, the company also collaborates with local distributors across the country.

“Our company is locally rooted with strong ties to the community in Stavanger, but with a broader focus,” Mette says. “We want to be able to supply our high-quality solutions across the country and are happy to have long-term working relationships with excellent local distributors nationwide.”

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Operating across three manufacturing sites in Lithuania, Poland, and China, Joldija Group offers a seamless production process – from initial design and engineering to manufacturing and final delivery. The company’s diverse product range includes plasterboard profiles, metal connectors, and assembly components, serving industries such as construction, furniture, and renewable energy.

From furniture fittings to solar components, Joldija Group’s expertise spans multiple industries, but what truly sets it apart is its ability to adapt, innovate, and maintain a strong commitment to quality. Rather than offering off-the-shelf solutions, the company takes a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to develop custom components that meet specific needs.

“Our dedication to quality assurance is reflected in our certifications and rigorous quality control processes, ensuring that every product meets international standards,” explains Paulius Paškevičius, the company’s CEO.

Innovation and sustainable practices in action

A prime example of Joldija Group’s impact is its work on precision-engineered metal connectors for industrial manufacturing. These components have improved efficiency in both the construction and renewable energy sectors, demonstrating the company’s ability to blend engineering expertise with sustainability.

Another successful collaboration saw Joldija Group partnering with a leading office-furniture manufacturer. By applying deep knowledge of contract manufacturing, the team developed high-quality components that seamlessly combined durability, aesthetics, and functionality. “These projects highlight our adaptability and commitment to delivering long-lasting end-to-end solutions across different industries,” says Paškevičius.

The company prioritises sustainable practices across its operations, from using responsibly sourced materials – such as FSC-certified wood and recyclable metals – to investing in renewable energy. Its solar power plant helps reduce the environmental footprint of the manufacturing sites, while optimised logistics ensure efficient transportation with minimal waste. Additionally, a focus on eco-friendly packaging and partnerships with environmentally responsible suppliers further reinforces the commitment to greener production methods.

In an increasingly competitive global market, businesses are constantly seeking reliable partners who can provide high-quality, innovative, and sustainable manufacturing solutions. With a global presence and a dedicated team of experts, Joldija Group continues to meet the evolving needs of industries worldwide. “Whether you need co-development, contract manufacturing, or a reliable supply partner, Joldija Group is ready to bring your vision to life,” the CEO concludes.

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With over 30 years of experience in sectors ranging from forestry and mining to MedTech, the Struktur Design team is a tightly-knit group of industrial designers (and problem-solvers). Whether they’re faced with big or small challenges, the team always consider functionality, longevity and quality to create the best solution possible. Even when clients don’t quite know what the solution should look like.

“Sometimes we’re brought on board to meet more obvious client needs, like designing an ergonomic and functional joystick for a construction machine, or a smart, sleek-looking conference phone for a boardroom,” explains founder and CEO Johan Gustafsson. “However, at other times, the issue may be more abstract than that. And in those cases, we must first identify what the real problem is, which is something we do in tandem with clients”.

Covering the basics

In any project, the start-up phase is crucial. This is something the team prides itself on – spending time getting to know the core values of the client and user habits. By taking this approach, the Struktur Design team can see the bigger picture and use their specialist skills to define the task at hand. After all, it’s about the product as much as the market.

“Before we start creating, we tend to study how a product is generally used as this can give us helpful insights and reveal unexpected hurdles”, tells Nikita Golovlev who is a partner at Struktur Design. “This is where our expertise shines bright, shadowing users to see for ourselves how things work. It’s where the real design process begins.”

“We also look at our clients’ vision for the future and use that to frame a solution around the experience of a potential product. Essentially, we create with two receivers in mind. One is the client and business itself and one is the end-user of said product,” adds Gustafsson.

The Struktur Design team creates carefully crafted designs with the user in mind.

Flexibility is key

Struktur Design’s adaptable style of working helps the team discover new, perhaps unexpected USPs for clients to latch onto. It’s an organic approach that brings together the best of two worlds – design that works as well as profitability for the business. As part of this, it is also important for the design to sit in line with the business’ values and suit its means of production.

“We don’t offer any pre-packaged services, even our team is customised to suit specific projects and client needs,” says Golovlev. “I’d say our flexibility and understanding of the bigger picture are the main reasons why clients choose to team up with us. They know that the final product will be a true reflection of their business and that is something incredibly valuable”.

Meet the bear

Asked what animal best describes Struktur Design’s values and personality, Gustafsson explains that the business is much like a bear. “A bear is powerful yet reliable and caring, just like us. We care deeply about our clients’ and users’ situations, and we do everything with intelligence and softness,” he says.

The team at Struktur Design has a clear idea of what success looks like. Receiving awards like the Red Dot, IF Award and Good Design is one form of assurance, but the ultimate proof of great design is that clients’ products are loved by users and contribute to the economic growth of their business.

To sum up the team’s approach – there should always be a balance between a product’s functionality and longevity. Because when design really works, all aspects benefit, be it ergonomics, the environment or business growth. And that is something that the team behind Struktur Design has done successfully for decades – and will continue to do into the future too.

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By bringing together a number of actors, SVID strives to develop a competitive industry and strengthen society’s competence for green transition, sustainable development and innovation, and a developed circular economy through design methodology.

Through the preparatory project Design Impact – People Powered Transformation within Impact Innovation – a next-generation strategic innovation program run by the Energy Agency, Formas and Vinnova – SVID and a number of actors throughout the country have formulated a roadmap for radical change. The roadmap details how actors can jointly contribute to creating attractive living environments using design methodologies and cooperation to aid society’s green transition. Luleå University of Technology, Linköping University, Malmö University, Konstfack are some of the universities that are part of the partnership together with a large number of partners from academia, business, the public sector and organisations.

Struktur Design.

Another important complementary context for SVID is the interdisciplinary research and innovation program Design for Energy-Efficient Everyday Life that’s being coordinated by the foundation. By combining three perspectives – behaviour, energy and design – the program focuses on the role of individuals and groups in the energy system. The program provides funding to projects that combine energy research and development with design and behaviour science to develop new business models, knowledge, technology, products and services.

EY Doberman.

A particular challenge lies in the fact that society’s transformation, the green system shift, must take place in a short time – approximately ten years if you listen to the researchers and the most ambitious roadmaps for a fossil-free future. A logical conclusion would therefore be to hire more designers – to let the decade that will define our future also become the decade of designers. For example, over SEK 1,000 billion is to be invested in the gigantic industrial transformation in the Arctic regions in the Northern parts of Sweden. And with this comes, of course, a major restructuring of the entire social structure. Yes, complex questions often require complex answers and here design and design processes can make a difference, especially if designers are given the opportunity to enter early in the planning given the right conditions to operate in more policy areas.

SVID wants to contribute to this. Through a developed collaboration with the regions of Norrbotten, Västerbotten and Skellefteå municipality, we are now establishing the Arctic Design Center, a platform for co-creation around development in northern Sweden, with a focus on the growth of new industry, the green transformation of society, and attractive living environments. Here, designers, artists and architects together with public actors, the business world, academia and civil society must jointly build a visionary and sustainable future, in which it is precisely the designer’s way of working that must serve as the engine of development.

To quote John Thackara, former director of the Dutch Design Institute; “It is not design that will save the planet from the challenges of our time – but the chances increase if we use a designer’s way of thinking and working”.

Boid.

Jonas Olsson, CEO SVID, Swedish Industrial Design Foundation

SVID, the Swedish Industrial Design Foundation, is an independent research and development foundation that since 1989 has developed Swedish companies, society and organisations with design. SVID was founded by the Statens industriverk, IVA, The Royal Academy of Engineering Sciences and the association Svensk Form and has its main mission and operating grant from the Agency for Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket).

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Propeller designs large train projects together with clients such as Alstom, Bombardier and Stadler.

Since Propeller Design was founded in 1995, the company’s journey has been going from strength to strength. Today, the team’s expertise is a recognised global force for innovative product creation with a range of clients – including international giants like IKEA, Google, Bosch, Panasonic, Alstom and SJ (Swedish Railways) as well as small startups – having placed their trust in the team to provide an all-encompassing design strategy and drive growth through quality products. ”We look at the whole picture and don’t leave anything to chance: our talented multidisciplinary team consists of design strategists, product designers, UI/UX designers, visual designers, design engineers, researchers, and sourcing experts – we’re there from the very beginning until the product is rolled out and beyond by creating brand strategies that build brand recognition and coherent quality,” says Karl Forsberg, head of design strategy.

Propeller Design supported startup Cowboy from the first sketch to the latest generation of e-bikes, raising more than US$140 million in funding.

The products in the portfolio of Propeller Design more than adequately document the company’s versatility, with a wide range of brand sectors proving that no project is too small or too big. Whether it is designing new high-speed trains, creating a new generation of sustainable ski helmets, or strollers, furniture, headphones, apps, digital interfaces, or smart safety alarms – all challenges are welcomed. ”We embrace a challenge and with our strategic design approach, we deliver tangible, long-lasting results for our clients. The Cowboy e-bikes are a great example of this: we were approached by three entrepreneurs from Brussels who had a vision to create an e-bike for the urban rider. In a close collaboration with Cowboy, our team have supported with everything from the initial strategic conceptualisation, to designing, engineering and packaging, a process that resulted in e-bikes that have won prestigious awards and sold exponentially over Europe and the USA,” says Olle Gyllang, partner at Propeller Design.

Rooted in Scandinavian functionality and armed with unique industry knowledge of the entire design process, Propeller Design aims to remain at the forefront of innovation for the benefit of companies and consumers alike.

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Experts in marrying function with great design, TreCe is a small Swedish family business turned industry-leaders. The company – which was established in 1973 and has always been led by innovation – is known for serving offices and public spaces with reliable, eco-conscious and durable products.

“There’s always been an urge for the business to renew itself and to think outside the box,” says sales manager Peter Wintstigen. “For instance, TreCe was one of the first brands to launch lacquered, white-front panels on storage drawers.”

Indeed, smart storage solutions have become synonymous with TreCe. Just take the popular CombiLine range. Offering stylish, ready-made modules (or customised storage), the series can be installed in an endless variety of combinations.

Storage aside, TreCe has recently ramped up the other side of the business, namely recycling solutions. The need for these exists in all offices and public environments, for functional as well as aesthetic reasons. Providing waste bins and recycling stations that are made from carefully tested materials and guaranteed under respected environmental certifications such as Möbelfakta, TreCe’s products make waste sorting easier.

Considering EU’s new directives on waste management, TreCe is bang on the money. “These directives are still being shaped up and rolled out in waves, but the basic idea is that all businesses in Europe will have to step up,” explains Wintstigen. In other words, there will be an increased need for solutions to support these efforts, and that’s where TreCe comes in – not only through product development, but in sharing their knowledge and advice.

In terms of products, Kite is a top choice. This award-winning modular waste bin is easy on the eye, with function and durability at its heart, and suits multiple contexts. Then there’s Ridge. Developed to cover ugly waste bins, Ridge looks smart enough to be part of a room’s interior – a key consideration of each new TreCe product.

In line with a growing need for recycling solutions, TreCe has plenty more to give; all while staying true to its mission of creating storage and recycling products for a sustainable future.

Peter Wintstigen. Photo: Evelina Wärendh

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Talking to CEO Patrik Andersson, the depth of entrepreneurship that runs through the veins of the company is clear: “The company was founded in Gnosjö in 1939 and the head office is still based here, even if we’ve expanded across the borders into the UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway and Poland. This area is famous for its entrepreneurial spirit – the Gnosjö spirit – and many companies have been born around here,” he says.

“There is a fantastic atmosphere of companionship between individuals and businesses, and the way people help each other out really drives innovation forward to a degree that is quite impressive – despite it being a relatively small town. The fact that Garo always has been alert to new trends and willing to evolve has really helped the company maintain its leading position on the market.”

Electrics and E-mobility

Their products are divided into two categories: electrics and E-mobility. Being one of the first companies to truly see the value of chargers for electric cars and its future impact on transportation, they delivered their first charging stations back in 2008 and quickly became a leading supplier on the market.

Today, they’ve adapted their charging stations to suit everything from private homes and apartment blocks, to office spaces and public spaces, such as highway charging. Different models provide various levels of charging speed, and the company offers products and solutions that can be adjusted to match different capacities – depending on the demands of the client.

Garo also supplies smart solutions for private homes, maritime activities and camping sites. Meter boards and cabinets, safety components, surge protectors and car heaters are helpful – often vital – additions for homes. Meanwhile, their Koster posts provide life and lighting to harbours, by powering four boats simultaneously and bringing light and drinking water to water-bound areas.

“We do everything in-house; product design, electrical development, security solutions, software development, service and support. Thanks to everything being made by us, we can maintain a flexibility rarely found elsewhere, develop new ideas and make rapid changes in response to new demands on the market,” says Andersson.

Their unique blend of skill-sets, ranging from electrics to modern programming, helps to bring the product offering to another level. Andersson continues: “We deliver peace of mind to our customers when they know that we don’t just deliver products, but also apply all the standard electrical security measures that are required, too. We retain our employees for a long time, which is another invaluable asset to us: we can retain our knowledge in the best possible way, use their wealth of experience and improve our solutions for the future.”

Sustainability is the future

Sustainable methods are as ingrained into the company as their innovative mindset. Sustainability means more to them than simply using environmentally-friendly products to reduce emissions, but applies to the entire production cycle.

They constantly question: how can we make the product last longer by using smarter solutions and appliances? What components can we change in existing products that are better for the environment? How can we change the packaging to make it smarter, and reduce space to make transportation easier? Garo���s products are largely locally-made, with two production sites in Gnosjö, one 30 kilometres away in Värnamo, and another in Poland. The proximity to production helps to reduce waste, and adds another layer of flexibility.

Their charging stations are helping society through the paradigm shift from fossil fuels into a greener future. With electric cars becoming the norm, there is no doubt that the company will continue to pave the way with more products that will help the world become more sustainable. Smarter homes that save on energy consumption provide an avenue for this. “Garo is well-known for quality, which is one of the reasons for our longevity on the market. A sustainable mindset is part of how we achieve it. We’re creating products made to last and perform better. It’s not a mere gimmick to adapt to current demands, but it’s been part of who we are ever since the beginning. Simply put, it’s part of our DNA,” concludes Andersson.

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