International strategy 2012-2015 Oppland County Council

OPPLANDINTERNATIONAL STRATEGY 2012-2015www.oppland.no/internasjonalt

PrefaceOppland takes part in a globalized world, whichour citizens encounter every day. In order toparticipate in this global reality, Oppland CountyCouncil is engaged in international work and takesglobal social responsibility that contributes tosustainable development.International cooperation strengthens regionaleconomic development and helps us in deliveringgood services to our citizens. It is thereforeimportant that the county’s international engagementis a common thread in the entire organization,and that it also benefits our citizens. Internationalknow-how is necessary in today’s society,and for our youth it would be unthinkable not totake part in a global community.We have revised our international strategy for theperiod 2012-2015. It has been important to zero inon objectives and strategies in line with the prioritiesset out in county’s policy documents. Internationalcooperation should give added value infulfilling the tasks we have been entrusted towardour citizens. Each department has therefore prioritizedareas where international engagementstrengthens regional development and publicservices.Geographical partners are chosen based oncommon interests and benefits within areas whereexperience and knowledge can be obtained. InfluencingEuropean development together is vital forour voice to be heard. Sharing responsibility leadsto greater accomplishments than we would on ourown. The challenges in Oppland are the same asthe challenges in other places in Europe.For the county, international work is an importanttool in contributing to the development of theOppland community. This strategy is a managementtool, both politically and administratively.We will work targeted for participation in projectsand at the same time implement policies in linewith our priority areas.Lillehammer 06.06.12Gro LundbyCounty Mayor2

Content1. Introduction .............................................................................. 41.1 Oppland County Council’s international engagement ............................................... 41.2 Added value for the Oppland community ................................................................ 42. Target groups ............................................................................ 52.1 Elected representatives and employees of Oppland County Council ........................ 52.2 Youth .......................................................................................................................... 52.3 Municipalities ............................................................................................................. 62.4 Trade and industry ..................................................................................................... 63. Strategic tools ........................................................................... 73.1 Coordinating bodies .................................................................................................. 83.2 European organizations ............................................................................................. 93.3 Bilateral cooperation .................................................................................................. 103.4 Active use of the EU/EEA programs ......................................................................... 104. Priority areas and objectives .................................................... 114.1 Political influence ....................................................................................................... 114.2 Increased knowledge about international work ......................................................... 124.3 Youth and education .................................................................................................. 134.4 Commerce and culture ............................................................................................... 144.5 Regional and municipal planning and development .................................................. 164.6 Climate, environment and energy .............................................................................. 174.7 Public health ............................................................................................................... 184.8 Infrastucture and public transportation ..................................................................... 19www.oppland.no/internasjonaltPhotos:Clipart Gallery, Oppland fylkeskommune, NCE Raufoss, Lom & Skjåk Adventure, FjellNorway,Oplandske Dampskibselskap - Brynjar Eidstuen, Geir Olsen, Jan Askildsen, Britt-Åse Høyesveen,Bernt M. Tordhol, Opplandstrafikk, Morten Brun - Innovasjon Norge, Klimapark 2469,Jørgen SkaugPublisher: Oppland County Council3

1. Introduction1.1 Oppland County Council’sinternational engagementOppland County Council will use international work asa tool in reaching the objectives stated in the regionalpolicy plans. Increased knowledge and inspiration fromthe world around us will strengthen both regionaldevelopment and public service, thereby creatingadded value for the citizens. Participation in internationalprojects allows for capacity-building, exchange ofexperience and access to financial instruments.Oppland County Council shall also take global socialresponsibility by contributing to democracy, socialjustice and sustainable development through theexchange of experiences and knowledge-sharing withother nations.The developments in the EU and the EuropeanEconomic Area (EEA) greatly influence Norwegianmunicipalities and counties. The EEA-agreement affects75 % of all issues on the political agenda. in Norwegianmunicipalities. It is thus important that municipalitiesand counties have first-hand knowledge about EEAregulations and its practical impact.This revised edition of the international strategydescribes in short the target groups for the county’sinternational work, the strategic tools that can beemployed to reach the targets and goals, and describesobjectives and strategies. Priority areas, objectivesand strategies are based on each administrativedepartment’s priorities and initiatives. Reporting on theobtainment of objectives will therefore be the responsibilityof each department.If interesting projects not described in this strategyshould arise in the middle of a planning period, theymay still be considered if they are in line with thecounty’s other priority areas and policy documents.This strategy focuses on the county’s involvementwith other countries and therefore does not includemeasures for immigrants to Oppland.1.2 Added value for the OpplandcommunityCooperation on the international arena and participationin international networks and projects is bothdemanding and rewarding. The ultimate goal is toreach better solutions and results than one would byworking in isolation.• z Better attainment of the goals set out in theregional policy documents• z Strengthen regional development and publicservice• z Inspiration, capacity-building and sharing ofexperience through participation in internationalprojects• z Create more attractive work places• z Secure financial support to projects through theEU-programs• z Be at the forefront of new regulations and policieswhich will have consequences for the county• z Participate in and contribute to the political debate• z Gain access to important European policy makers• z Cooperate with relevant regions in Europe throughthe EEA financial mechanism and other relevantarrangements4

2. Target groups2.1 Elected representatives andemployees of Oppland County CouncilThe international strategy is built upon the county’spolicy documents and areas of responsibility. Our ownorganization is therefore an important target group forthe objectives and strategies in this document.The County Council plays an important role in regionaldevelopment, which in turn is affected by internationaltrends. International engagement thus strengthensboth the political and administrative units’ possibilitiesof performing their tasks satisfactorily. Contributionto political debates which affect the county’s developmentis essential, and it is therefore important toincrease the capacity level in our own organization,both politically and administratively.2.2 YouthYouth is the key to a viable society in the future.Being capable of working on the international arenais a prerequisite for succeeding in a globalized world.Giving young people skills in languages, cultural understanding,international relations and inter-culturalcommunication is of vital importance for futureregional growth.The Oppland community has successfully involvedyouth in democratic processes, and this experienceshould be shared with youth from other cultures. Atthe same time, Oppland can learn from other ways ofworking and thinking. Increasing the ability to reflectand develop new ways of working can be achievedthrough active participation in international networksand learning arenas. As an example, the Youth CountyCouncil participates in the youth networks of the internationalorganizations that the county is a member of.It is important for businesses to have employees withinternational skills in order to interact with colleaguesin other countries and succeed in international trade.Therefore, youth in Oppland should have the opportunityto participate in international networks and fulfillpart of their education or vocational training abroad.The upper secondary schools shall facilitate studentexchange and actively use the possibilities within theEuropean exchange programs.5

2.3 MunicipalitiesThe municipalities are an important service providerto the citizens, and the quality of these services shouldbe of high standard. A majority of the EU-programs aredirected towards the municipal sector. By participatingin programs and projects, the municipalities can gainskills and experiences, as well as financial instruments,in areas that are important in order to deliver goodservices. Examples of this would be programs withinthe health sector, school sector, regional economicdevelopment and capacity-building.Oppland County Council shall assist the municipalitieswith information, knowledge, network-affiliation,training in applying for EU-programs, and support indeveloping international programs.2.4 Trade and industryIncreased competitiveness and globalization meansthat trade and industry in Oppland needs to adaptto the international market. Securing jobs within theregion will be essential in the future. Today’s societydemands that businesses are internationally oriented,whether or not they are producing for the exportmarket.There is abundant international activity among tradeand industry in Oppland as a whole. The CountyCouncil shall support this activity, inter alia throughits ownership in Innovation Norway, which is theNorwegian Government’s most important instrumentfor innovation and development of Norwegian enterprisesand industry. The Research Council of Norway’sEU-office is also an important partner as a knowledgearena for internationalization of Norwegian researchtowards trade and industry, public offices and the R&Dsector.The County Council’s goal is to contribute to a lowerthreshold for internationalization of trade and industryin Oppland.6

3. Strategic toolsParticipation in Norwegian coordinating bodies,European organizations, bilateral cooperation andtargeted use of EU/EEA financial arrangements areimportant tools in order to achieve the objectives setout in the international strategy. Organizations andnetworks assist in finding partners for programs andprojects, developing projects and with policy impactand lobbying activities toward national authoritiesand the EU institutions. Working together with otherregions is vital in order to influence the development inEurope.Oppland County Council is a member of two coordinatingbodies; the Oslo region European office and theEastern Norway County Network, and three Europeanorganizations; the Assembly of European Regions(AER), Baltic States Subregional Cooperation (BSSSC)and Euromontana.The purposes of membership in national and internationalorganizations are:• z Access to information about international projectswhich can strengthen regional development andimprove public services in Oppland• z Project development• z Finding partners for international projects• z Political monitoring and policy impact within areasthat are important to OpplandParticipation in international organizations requirespolitical engagement and activity.7

3.1 Coordinating bodiesThe Oslo region European office (ORE)The office is a multidisciplinary service- and resource center based in Brussels withmembers from eight county authorities in Eastern Norway. The office’s main tasksare to assist with enquiries to EU bodies, establish contact with other regional officesand organizations in Brussels, and assist in applications for programs and projects within the EU/EEAframework. www.osloregionen.orgEastern Norway County NetworkIs a networking organization comprised of the eight county authorities in EasternNorway. Main tasks are to influence European regional policy and participationin international development programs and projects that are useful to the region.A joint approach to the European engagement with other county authorities is beneficial to Oppland. Thenetwork assists with policy monitoring, participation in joint consultation procedures, and to lobby for thecounty’s interests within priority areas. The network is also a political and administrative forum for discussions.The network functions as secretariat for the eight county authorities’ participation in AER and BSSSCand cooperation with Schleswig-Holstein.The youth network of Eastern Norway County Network (Østsam Ung) is an arena for learning, exchange ofexperience, networking and internationalization. Part of the mandate of the youth network is participation inthe youth divisions of AER and BSSSC. www.ostsam.noEuropean Forum for the Hedmark and Oppland Counties (Europaforum Innlandet)Oppland also participates in Europaforum Innlandet, which consists of EU advisers from the region’s universitycolleges, the county authorities in Hedmark and Oppland, Innovation Norway, the Research Council of Norwayand the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO). Its objective is coordination and experience exchange.8

3.2 European organizationsAER – Assembly of European RegionsAER is an independent organization with more than 270 members from 33 countries inEurope, plus 16 international associations both in- and outside the EU. AER safeguardsregional interests in Europe and influences regional policy by lobbying toward EU institutions.AER is comprised of three committees and sub-committees where the practical work is done;Committee for Economy and Regional Development, Committee for Social Policy and Public Health, andCommittee for Culture, Education, Youth and International Cooperation.Oppland wishes to use the AER to participate in policy-making within the priority areas as described in thestrategy. Through participation in committees and projects within the AER-network, the county has access topartners among members across Europe (including the Mediterranean area). www.aer.euBSSSC – Baltic Sea States Subregional CooperationBSSSC is a political network organization for regions in the 10 countries around the Baltic Sea(Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia andGermany). BSSSC’ main focus is transport and infrastructure, maritime policy, sustainableenergy and climate change (Baltic 21), research and development, education and capacitybuilding,public health and quality of life, the Northern dimension and cooperation with Russia.Oppland wishes to use the BSSSC to find partners for international youth projects, participate in youthnetworks, and find partners within the Baltic Sea Region Program and Interreg – EUs funding for interregionalcooperation across Europe – within priority areas as described in the strategy. Oppland has one deputymember in the BSSSC board. www.bsssc.comEuromontanaEuromontana is the European multisectoral association for co-operation anddevelopment of mountain territories in 15 countries. Euromontana’s objectiveis to improve living conditions and livelihoods for the inhabitants in the mountain regions of Europe and topromote these regions’ interests by lobbying towards the EU-bodies. Focus areas are: territorial cohesion,agriculture and rural development, mountain products, energy, innovation, services of general interest (SGI),education and training, forestry and wood supply chains, sustainable tourism, environment and climatechange, mobility and infrastructure.Oppland wishes to use Euromontana to influence mountain region policy through active participation in theboard, finding partners to projects related to development of mountain regions, and capacity-building throughinternships in the Brussels office. www.euromontana.org9

3.3 Bilateral cooperationOppland County Council has both formal cooperation agreements and informal cooperation with regions andpartners where we can draw upon common experiences and capacity-building. At the moment, the County Councilhas formal agreements with Schleswig-Holstein and Namibia, and informal cooperation with Highland, Scotland. Inaddition, a decision in the County Executive Board states an intention to cooperate with Neretva Canton in Bosnia-Herzegovina. There is also cooperation with partners from other countries and regions on a project basis.• z Schleswig-Holstein: Oppland County has had a bilateral agreement with Schleswig-Holstein since 1999, inpartnership with the other seven county authorities in the Eastern Norway regions. The agreement is generalin its form, and opens for cooperation in all areas that can be of interest to the county. Oppland is in charge ofyouth and film on behalf of the other partners. The regions may also benefit from cooperation in other areas,for example regarding the travel industry.• z Highland in Scotland and Oppland have many similarities when it comes to nature, culture and regionaleconomic development. Oppland wishes to cooperate with Highland regarding tourism, national parkmanagement and management of cultural heritage.• z Dalarne in Sweden: Oppland and Dalarne have started a dialogue based on the two regions’ many similaritiesand the common goal of using sports as part of regional development.• z Herzegovina-Neretva in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Oppland County wish to cooperate through the NansenAcademy – Norwegian Humanistic Academy in Lillehammer. Cooperation entails education of principals in theupper-secondary schools in Herzegovina-Neretva Canton and student exchange between upper-secondaryschools.• z Namibia and the Namibia Association: Oppland County has had an agreement with the Namibia Associationsince 2009 and an agreement with Otjozondjupa region since 2010. Oppland has contributed with support fora project for the education of the San population in the Tsumkwe-district. The Namibia Association has alsocontributed by facilitating students from the health care and teaching faculties in Oppland doing part of theirpractical training in Namibia. The agreement with Namibia expires in 2012, and a renewal of the agreement isnot recommended.3.4 Active use of the EU-programs and the EEA financial mechanismParticipation in international programs and projects is an important strategic tool in order to develop the Opplandcommunity. The purpose of participating in such projects is to bring home knowledge and inspiration, share experiencesand find common solutions in the development of businesses and communities.The EEA-agreement gives us access to the many sector programs. In addition, Oppland is part of Interreg, EUsfunding for interregional cooperation. These are financial mechanisms that Norwegian associations, organizationsand businesses can and should participate in. Of interest to Oppland are programs for youth, lifelong learning,film, culture, climate change, energy, research and development, innovation and regional development. Relevantprograms are the EUs structural programs, Interreg, Nordic funds and bilateral funds. In addition, Oppland canparticipate in projects under the EEA financial mechanism.An overview of the EU-programs can be found on: www.oppland.no/internasjonalt10

4. Priority areas and objectivesRegional planning strategy for Oppland county 2012-2016 focuses on three priority areas:• z Regional and local development• z Capacity-building• z InfrastructureInternational work shall be an integrated part of the county’s daily work and build directly on priority areas in thecounty’s policy documents4.1 Political influenceThe Norwegian government’s Europe portal (Europaportalen) gives an overview over Norway’s relation to Europeand how this affects Norwegian politics and civil society. The site also provides an overview of the ministries’strategic plans for their work towards the EU.It is important to be at the forefront of regulations and policies which will have consequences for Norwegiancounties and municipalities. As mentioned, 75 % of all issues on the political agendain Norwegian municipalitieshave EU/EEA relevance. We shall influence and participate in the political debate. At the same time, the stabilityand welfare of our European neighboring countries has great impact for Norwegian politics, economy and societaldevelopment.The Oslo region European office, the Eastern Norway County Network, AER, BSSSC and Euromontana assistOppland County Council with policy surveillance and policy impact toward the EU bodies.Objective• z Monitor and influence policies related to Oppland County Council’s priority areas.Strategies• z Participate actively in The Oslo region European office, the Eastern Norway County Network, AER, BSSSCand Euromontana. Use these organizations for policy monitoring, exchange of experiences and information,and influence policy design within areas of importance to Oppland.• z Participate actively in committees and working groups with political themes important to the Opplandcommunity.z • Contribute to effective interaction in cases of common interest with the Oslo region European office, theEastern Norway County Network, other county authorities and state institutions.11

4.2 Increased knowledge about international workA high level of competence and the ability to change old ways of thinking at the individual level, in the businesscommunity, in public service and in society at large is a prerequisite for increased value creation and securingwelfare. In a globalized world with increasingly competitive markets, the public sector has a special responsibilityin stimulating to targeted capacity-building, inter alia through international work.Objective• z Increase the level of knowledge in own organization and among cooperative partners about internationalpolitics, international programs and international projects.Strategies• z Assist both own organization and partners with information, competence, network affiliation and supportfor international projects.• z Influence own organization and partners in using the Oslo region European office’s project courses andinternship arrangements.• z Offer capacity-building in writing applications and project development for EU/EEA-programs.• z Encourage own organization and partners to participate in courses for project development and partnersearches (inter alia Youth in Action, Norwegian Research Council). Participation in seminars/meeting/courses about international politics hosted by Eastern Norway County Network, the Oslo region Europeanoffice, the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) and European organizations.• z Arrange network meetings for international networks in Oppland.• z Facilitate increased language skills.• z Use website and newsletters to spread knowledge about international activity.12

4.3 Youth and educationA high degree of mobility among young people and the coming generation is vital in order to understand andaccept other cultures. The work force needs employees with international expertise in order to cooperate withcolleagues in other countries. The business community needs employees with international experience andlanguage skills in order to build cross-border relations and succeed in international trade. Oppland County Councilowns and operates 13 upper-secondary schools.Objective• z Targeted work to give young people increased skills in languages, cultural understanding, network-buildingand inter-cultural communication across borders.Strategies• z All the upper-secondary schools in Oppland shall participate actively in at least one internationalcooperative program. Furthermore, if possible, sign agreements with cooperating schools abroad and buildthese relations in a long-term perspective.• z International service office (IS) shall send out at least 60 apprentices yearly on a 14-week vocational trainingvisit in a European country. This will be achieved through international programs. The office shall also sendout student advisers on a follow-up visit, and be of assistance so that personnel involved in vocationaltraining can go on two-week language courses.• z Promote the opportunity to participate in international programs, and assist associations, organizations andpartners who wish to participate in international cooperation. IS shall also send out volunteers.• z The Youth County Council shall participate in international youth networks and organizations wheredemocracy and politics are topics. Examples are BSSSC and AER.• z Strengthen Climate Park 2469 through international capacity-building networks and international youthexchange. The goal is to create understanding, experience and reflection around nature, cultural heritageand climate change.• z Give young talents the opportunity to participate on international arenas through The Norwegian YouthFestivals of Art (UKM), cultural schools etc. Work towards developing talent for young practitioners in thearts field through exchange programs.z • Oppland County Council shall work actively in using Youth Olympic Games in 2016 to promote peace andcooperation between youth from all over the world.13

4.4 Economic development and cultureOppland County Council shall contribute to a high quality of life and good living conditions for everyone throughoutthe county. This requires the sustainment of work places, innovation and cultural experiences, among otherthings. In the innovation strategy for Oppland, industry, tourism, bioenergy, agriculture, cultural- and the experienceeconomy and information technology are defined as priority areas in which Oppland has a special advantage.Oppland wishes to apply the knowledge that other regions in Europe has in innovation, cultural production anddissemination, and value creation based on natural- and cultural heritage. It is therefore desirable to seek cooperationthrough international channels and programs in order to find good solutions through knowledge-exchange.The government’s white paper on the tourist industry (Reiselivsmeldingen) points out that the tourist industry hasa significant potential for value creation. This requires a shift in focus from producing traditional tourist productsto a holistic approach to the experience economicy, which includes products in the fields of culture, food, history,natural- and cultural heritage and activities.Objectives for regional economic development• z Contribute to increased international activity in the Oppland community. Facilitate trade and industryand the municipalities in getting access to international impulses and contacts which can strengthen thestakeholders both nationally and internationally.Strategies• z Oppland County Council shall use its access to information, knowledge and networks to stimulate internationalizationin trade and industry, in cooperation with Innovation Norway and their field offices, the R&Dcommunities, labor organizations and local trade associations.• z Facilitate participation in relevant EU-projects and ensure transfer of knowledge to the whole county.z • Strengthen Oppland as a sports region through participation in international projects and contribute toutilizing sports as a tool for regional development in Oppland.14

Objectives for culture• z Strengthen the quality of the county’s cultural dimension through knowledge-sharing in internationalnetworks and projects.Strategies• z Increase the creative industries’ knowledge about participation in international networks and projects• z Stimulate increased mobility for artists• z Distribute cultural productions to partners abroad and evaluate foreign productions for distribution toschools in Oppland.• z Strengthen the libraries as arenas for culture, education and inclusion through participation in internationalprojects.Objectives for the travel industry and cultural heritage• z Contribute to increased value creation in the county’s travel industry and stimulate competence throughparticipation in various international cooperative bodies.Strategies• z Stimulate participation in international marketing and profiling activities.• z Use natural- and cultural heritage as input in product development in the travel industry (for exampleVINK Oppland). Oppland County Council shall contribute to the development of the travel industry ofinternational standard through knowledge gathering, participation in professional networks, experienceexchange and international networks.• z Stimulate participation in international cultural heritage networks and development projects.15

4.5 Regional and local planning and place-based developmentOppland County Council is engaged in several international cooperation projects with a focus on regional development.The Mountain Region Cooperation in Norway (Fjellregionsamarbeidet), environment and climate change,urban- and small town development, water management, public health, and universal design are some of theareas that are highly relevant for international initiatives and cooperation.Place-based development is an interesting arena where international cooperation can yield new knowledge andexperience. Positive effects can be achieved for example through the URBACT-program and cooperation withsimilar projects in other countries.Some of the new EU member states from Eastern Europe have a need for social and economic development. Thiscan be achieved through projects financed by the EEA financial mechanism. Oppland can both contribute to, andget impulses from, participation in such projects.Objectives• z Gather and share knowledge and models for sustainable development of towns, villages and rural areas.• z Knowledge exchange related to the protection and management of national parks and nature protectedareas.Strategies• z Participate in EEA projects which contribute to competence sharing and capacity-building in cooperationwith the new EU member states.z • Facilitate participation in international projects within planning and environment, for example by arrangingstudy trips to areas which have good models for commercial and sustainable development of towns andnature protected areas.16

4.6 Climate, environment and energySince 1999, Oppland has worked systematically with climate and energy issues. The regional plan for climate andenergy 2013-2024 suggests the following priority areas: energy production, energy usage, transportation, agriculture,waste, spatial (areal)- and transportation planning, climate change adaption, knowledge dissemination/attitude change/consumption and lifestyle. Oppland County Council should seek programs in which one or severalof these priority areas are in focus.Objectives• z Increase knowledge about climate- and energy efficient measures through international engagementStrategies• z Establish cooperation with international academic institutions which can contribute to capacity-building andproject development, especially within energy and climate issues.z • Ensure competence sharing with international academic networks and seek inspiration in the developmentof competence within building and property management through participation in national andinternational networks.17

4.7 Public healthThe EU health program (2008-2013) is focused on the main priorities citizen’s health security, promoting health,including the reduction of health inequalities and to generate and disseminate health information and knowledge.The Public Health Act (entry into force from 2012) is unique in a global perspective. Oppland is a county which hasboth challenges and priorities in the public health domain which is relevant for international cooperation.Objectives• z Strengthen the public health work in Oppland through participation in international networks and projects.Strategies• z Support projects from research communities based on knowledge exchange and best practice in order tocollect, analyze and disseminate information about health.z • Support and demonstrate international possibilities for local and regional projects, for example with a focuson universal design, knowledge about minority health and integration of immigrants.18

4.8 Infrastructure and public transportGood infrastructure is vital in the development of functional societies. Settlements in all parts of the county andlong distances between them make Oppland dependent on good and safe transportation options, both for privateand public transport. Effective organization of public transportation is important in order to offer the best possibleservices which are optimally adjusted to the needs. Trade and industry have an increased need for quick connectionsto markets at home and abroad. Oppland also has one of the biggest travel industries in Norway, and there isgreat potential in reducing travel time between Oppland and the Oslo region.Expansion and improvement of the road network and the rail routes in the county is important, as is furtherdevelopment of Fagernes Airport Leirin and Oslo Airport Gardermoen. There is an ever increasing focus onreducing greenhouse gas emissions.Objectives public transportation• z Increase the knowledge level about good solutions for public transport, traffic safety, environmental friendlytransport modes and cooperation with the travel industry through international engagement.Objectives infrastructure• z Ensuring safe and effective main transport routes to, from and within the county in order to strengthencommercial competitiveness, including connection with international markets.Strategies• z Participation in forums such as the Public Transport Association (Kollektivtrafikkforeningen), active use ofinformation channels and increased international networking.• z Participate in study trips and possibly exchange programs, organized by industry forums or Oppland CountyCouncil.• z Consider participation in international programs.• z Support the Eastern Norway County Network’s participation in international transport projects in order tostrengthen the international transport routes to and from the region.z • Consider participation or knowledge exchange between relevant international partners in connection withbicycle projects.19

Box 988, N-2626 Lillehammer - Tel.: 61 28 90 00E-mail: postmottak@oppland.orgwww.oppland.nowww.oppland.no/internasjonalt