International strategy 2012-2015 Oppland County Council

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