Bridging Innovation and Opportunity: Strengthening Dutch–Norwegian Business Relations
- Roger Blikkberget
- Apr 16
- 12 min read
In this interview, Kristian Aartun—Chairman and founder of the Dutch Norwegian Business Network—sits down with Sjoerd Smit, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Oslo, to explore the evolving dynamics of Dutch–Norwegian relations.
At a time marked by geopolitical uncertainty and accelerating climate ambitions, the Netherlands and Norway are deepening cooperation across key sectors such as renewable energy, maritime industries, and the circular economy. In this conversation, Smit shares insights into how both countries are strengthening bilateral ties, unlocking new business opportunities, and jointly advancing the green transition.
From offshore wind and hydrogen development to innovation ecosystems and cultural alignment, this discussion highlights why the Dutch–Norwegian partnership continues to be a model of pragmatic, forward-looking collaboration in Europe.
Role & Background
As Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Embassy of the Netherlands in Norway, what are your main priorities in strengthening Dutch Norwegian relations?
The main priorities of the Netherlands’ embassy in Oslo are to maintain and strengthen our excellent bilateral relations. In doing so, we focus on the nexus security and economic green growth. In the current rather turbulent geopolitical situation, the Netherlands and Norway closely work together on jointly defending our territorial integrity, both bilaterally as within Nato and European frameworks. We do our utmost in supporting Ukraine to uphold its independence and democracy that is threatened by Russia’s war of aggression. The changed geopolitical situation reminds us of the importance of having a sufficient degree of strategic autonomy. This calls for deepened cooperation, for example on the protection of critical infrastructure, including energy, and strengthening the competitiveness of our economies through further integration.
Since I started working in Norway, I have had the pleasure of helping shape the bilateral relations through a state visit by our royals and a royal working visit that focused on renewable energy. These visits are the true aces of diplomacy, and it’s been a true honour and pleasure to have been part of the Dutch Norwegian teams that turned them into successes.
How would you describe the current state of economic cooperation between the Netherlands and Norway?
Our economic cooperation is splendid, and both broad and deep. The Netherlands is Norway’s third largest export market, and Norway is an important destination for maritime and offshore services and products. The Dutch are the fifth largest group of tourists to Norway, and some gladly stay on to make cheese in Vestlandet or on the Lofoten.
Which sectors are currently the strongest pillars of collaboration between the two countries?
The strongest pillars of our economic collaboration are renewable energy, maritime and circular economy.
In energy nation Norway, the development of renewable energy has come a long way. Think of the recent closing of the carbon capture and storage value chain in the Longship program, the world’s first cross border facility that transports carbon dioxide from around Europe and stores it in a collective reservoir under the North Sea. In the summer of 2026, the first shipments of carbon dioxide from the Dutch Yara ammonia and fertiliser production plant in Sluiskil are expected; an annual 800,000 tons of captured CO2 will be liquefied and transported to Norway and injected under the seabed by Northern Lights. This is a big step forward for both Yara and for global climate action. The emissions cut annually are equivalent to about half a per cent of the Netherlands’ total emissions.
In the maritime sector, we have an impressive cooperation that spans centuries. Yet, new developments and challenges warrant extra attention from the embassy to ensure that Dutch Norwegian cooperation and co-creation is also extended to sectors such as autonomous zero-emission shipping. In that light, I’m happy to announce that we will have a new colleague at the embassy working on strengthening the bilateral maritime ties.
Circular economy, as part of our joint objectives towards a net-zero economy by 2050, is another important pillar of our economic cooperation. Together with our Norwegian partners, our embassy brings key people together in round tables to discuss crucial sectors that are needed to achieve circular business models, such as the construction sector, circular finance modalities and exploring opportunities to achieve circular systems in the chemical sector.
What emerging areas of cooperation do you see developing over the next 5–10 years?
The energy transition is here to stay. With expected price rises of emissions of greenhouse gases due to developments like the EU emission trading system of quota, and the projected fall in demand for fossil energy, renewable energy will get a larger share of the world market. For Norway and the Netherlands, this means that investments in CCS, offshore wind, and hydrogen will be increasingly profitable. Our strong North-Western European production chain in offshore wind is a good example of how it pays to embrace carbon neutral energy production close to our own grid.
Unfortunately, the world is becoming a tougher place and North-West Europe is affected by its changes. Geopolitical developments will have an increasing impact on Dutch Norwegian cooperation. Case in point is the defence sector, where sizeable investment will be made to enhance the European capabilities as well as ensuring that Putin will not win the war in Ukraine. This reality can be turned into opportunity for Dutch and Norwegian companies and research institutes in areas such as drone development, unmanned platforms and protection of critical infrastructure.
Business Opportunities Between the Netherlands & Norway
What business opportunities exist today for Dutch companies entering the Norwegian market?
Delivering quality is a prerequisite for success in the Norwegian market. Dutch companies that deliver that, have opportunities here. We see that already in the energy, offshore and maritime sectors, but also in the blue economy and agricultural sector like vertical farming and cheese making.
In which sectors does Norway offer the most potential for Dutch investors?
The higher segments of technology and engineering, geared to energy transition and green economic development.
How important is cooperation in renewable energy between our countries?
As like-minded partners it is of crucial importance to closely cooperate on renewable energy. Norway and the Netherlands are movers and shakers when it comes to carbon capture and storage and hydrogen production and utilization. This cooperation cannot be taken for granted; it needs to be nurtured. The Norwegian embassy in The Hague and the Dutch embassy in Oslo constantly work to ensure that apart from government-to-government contacts also academia and private sector parties are aware of relevant developments. We are keen to bring potential partners in contact with each other.
What role does offshore wind play in strengthening bilateral ties?
Offshore wind is a natural area for cooperation. We already do this considering the North Seas Energy Cooperation. In January this year, Norway and the Netherlands and other North Sea partners signed the Hamburg Declaration, pledging to accelerate offshore wind, supporting energy security and European industrial competitiveness. The North Sea countries committed to 300 GW offshore wind energy by 2050. The importance of targets cannot be easily overestimated, as it offers long term perspective and buy-in from governments. Norway has committed to 30 GW offshore wind by 2040. The Netherlands has committed to 21 GW by 2032 and 70 GW by 2050. Despite its rich hydropower clean energy generation, Norway will face a tipping point in the early 2030s where it will consume more electricity than it produces if no investments in electricity generation are made. Norway has tremendous offshore wind potential, both bottom-fixed and floating. The Netherlands and Norway already have a strong economic sector in designing and constructing offshore wind parks. Much of that is used overseas. Offshore wind has important societal benefits, economically, environmentally, and energy security wise. The Netherlands wishes Norway to be fully on board in reaping the North Sea Energy possibilities for building a robust, integrated offshore wind ecosystem.
How do you see collaboration in green hydrogen evolving?
Green hydrogen collaboration between Norway and the Netherlands will evolve around green shipping and industry. Norway and the Netherlands are rapidly expanding green hydrogen production. Next year we’ll see the start of a hydrogen powered shipping route between Rotterdam and Oslo operated by Samskip, partially enabled through a subsidy by the Norwegian Enova Fund. Initiatives like these demonstrate that the future of decarbonized shipping is now. In the Netherlands we are constructing the hydrogen backbone, to connect supply to the industrial offtakers. The first stretch, in Rotterdam, will be operational from this summer onwards. Norway and the Netherlands are closely working together on green hydrogen. During a working visit of King Willem-Alexander to Norway in 2024, MoU’s were signed between research and industry. NORCE and TNO signed a MoU focused on long-term strategic collaboration on innovation on hydrogen and energy infrastructure. Norwegian Hydrogen Forum and NL Hydrogen signed an MoU on hydrogen transport and green shipping corridors between Norway and the Netherlands.
Are there strong partnerships in maritime industries between Norway and the Netherlands?
The partnerships in maritime industry between our countries are going way back. This is illustrated by for example the nature of companies that come to Norway every second year for NorShipping, Norway’s largest fair and conference for the shipping industry. At the Netherlands Pavillion you can find companies that have done business with Norwegian partners for decades, based on trust and quality. Yet, new trends and developments ask for new partnerships and solutions, e.g. in the security realm and decarbonization of shipping. There, Norwegian and Dutch entities are natural partners to jointly take on challenges.
What opportunities exist in digitalization and smart city development?
Digitalisation facilitates communication across distances, thereby accelerating cooperation and creating opportunities for more innovation. New digital technologies such as AI have accelerated the opportunity to grow new business ideas, and so far, the opportunities for what one can do with digital innovation seem endless.
How can startups from both countries benefit from closer cooperation?
Startups from both countries can benefit from closer cooperation through the exchange of best practices, innovation clusters and in general expanding their professional network in each other’s countries.
What advice would you give Norwegian companies looking to expand into the Netherlands?
Reach out to the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), Nordics Office. They can provide Norwegian companies with tailor made advice regarding setting up shop in the Netherlands. (www.investinholland.com).
How important is sustainability as a driver of trade between the two nations?
It is of growing importance as a driver of trade, for example in the areas of maritime and energy. As an entity doing business in both Norway and the Netherlands, the possession of a clear sustainability strategy, and walk the talk, is a prerequisite, as today’s economy is no longer that of the past.
How does the Netherlands position itself as a gateway to the European market for Norwegian businesses?
It starts with our strategic location in the heart of Europe. The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) acts as a strategic gateway to the European market by assisting Norwegian companies in establishing operations, providing free, tailored, and confidential support. They leverage the Netherlands’ superior logistics (Port of Rotterdam, Schiphol), digital infrastructure, and a highly skilled, English-speaking workforce to enable Norwegian companies to efficiently reach 170 million consumers within a 500 km radius.
Are there differences in regulatory frameworks that businesses must adapt to?
As both Norway and the Netherlands are in the EU internal market, the regulatory frameworks are largely the same. Due to Norway’s position within the European Economic Area as a non-EU member, there are some differences though as Norway is not in the customs union and not covered by EU-trade policy vis a vis third countries/ trade blocks.
What role does innovation play in Dutch Norwegian trade relations?
Innovation is a strong driver in Dutch Norwegian trade relations. Norwegian start-ups/scale ups often need access to a larger market to come to scale and like to set up shop in the Netherlands. Likewise, much joint Dutch Norwegian research takes place in Norway, e.g. in EU Horizon projects.
How can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) better leverage bilateral opportunities?
They need a partner on the other side. The embassy and the agency NFIA can be instrumental in this. Furthermore, the NL embassy team in the Nordics work with the Regional Business Developer. In the case of Norway, this colleague seeks to connect Dutch companies with an interest to do business in Norway with potentially relevant partners.
Trade Culture in the Netherlands
How would you describe the Dutch “trade culture”?
Dutch trade culture is defined by direct communication, egalitarianism, and a ‘merchant mentality’ that prizes efficiency, negotiation, and reliability. Renowned for a pragmatic approach, Dutch business professionals favor consensus-driven decision making, meticulous planning, and informal, yet highly professional, interactions. In this sense, the Dutch ‘trade culture’ has strong similarities to the Norwegian way of doing business.
Are Dutch businesses generally risk-takers or more consensus-driven?
Consensus is an important aspect of the Dutch way of doing business. However, Dutch businesses do see many opportunities, including in the high-risk segment.
How important is direct communication in Dutch trade culture?
The Dutch are famously direct, often seen as ‘straight to the point’, which minimizes misunderstandings but can seem blunt to some. At the embassy, we advise businessmen to take sufficient time to invest in the relationship as well.
What makes the Netherlands such a strong logistics hub in Europe?
See above.
How important is international orientation in Dutch business identity?
An international orientation is extremely important to the Dutch business identity, as the Netherlands alone is a relatively small market – much like Norway. International orientation offers unique opportunities for innovation and growth.
Do Dutch companies prefer long-term partnerships or quick transactional agreements?
With Dutch businesses you are into long-term cooperation.
Cultural Similarities & Differences
What cultural similarities between Norway and the Netherlands make cooperation easier?
The egalitarian approach, direct communication and trust-based relations.
Where do you see the biggest cultural differences in workplace culture?
The biggest cultural differences you will see Friday after lunch, when you realize the weekend has already started with the Norwegian interlocutor you try to contact.
How does decision-making culture compare between Dutch and Norwegian organizations?
It is comparable, due to a joint emphasis on consensus, egalitarianism, and flat hierarchies.
Are meetings conducted differently in Norway compared to the Netherlands?
There is less Smalltalk in Norway. Another difference is the Norwegian avoidance of open dissent, whereas in the Netherlands people value a tough discussion to reach the best solution.
How do the two countries approach hierarchy in business?
Both in the Netherlands and Norway are characterized by egalitarianism. This eases doing business between the Dutch and the Norwegians. Yet, the apparent lack of hierarchy in Norway is remarkable. The boss is a facilitator. In the Dutch business context, the boss is a coach, but in the end the one who makes the decision.
Is work–life balance viewed similarly in both cultures?
Both the Netherlands and Norway are renowned for their good balance between work and private lives. The work-life balance in Norway however is not only preached but also practiced. In Norway there is strong equality between parenting roles of men and women. In the Netherlands the focus is on efficiency, meeting your targets within the agreed hours.
How important is trust-building in Norwegian business culture compared to Dutch culture?
Trust is the point of departure in doing business in both countries. There are differences though. In Norway, trust is built by being predictable and humble. In the Netherlands, trust is built by displaying knowledge and being straightforward.
Language & Personal Experience
You speak Norwegian was it difficult for you to learn?
I have the benefit of having studied Scandinavian Languages and Cultures for one year before starting International Relations at Groningen University in the Netherlands. Although I chose Swedish as the main language, it gave me a solid basis to learn Norwegian from when I moved to Norway some 25 years later.
From the moment I knew that Oslo would be my next station, I started a Duolingo streak that is approaching 2000 days. In addition, I immersed myself in the Norwegian language by listening to NRK during my pleasant commute from my peninsula in the Oslo fjord to Aker Brygge, reading Norwegian newspapers and attending conferences in Norwegian. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also enabled me to take courses. Whenever I can, I do my meetings in Norwegian.
What was the most challenging aspect of learning Norwegian?
The most challenging part is to get sufficient comprehension of dialects. That can only be done through exposure. Another challenging aspect is the existence of two written languages that may be similar but do vary widely.
Does speaking Norwegian change the way you connect with Norwegian partners?
I do believe it has its advantages. In a Norwegian speaking setting, interlocutors do not need to switch to English because of me joining. Even though Norwegians are fluent in English, it’s always easiest to speak your first language! I sense that Norwegian partners value the effort foreigners make in speaking Norwegian. They are very accommodating and patient, and do not shift the conversation to English (which often happens to people who would like to practice their Dutch with the locals in the Netherlands….).
What personal advice would you give to business professionals working across Dutch Norwegian cultures?
Immerse yourself in the other’s language and culture and start conversing in the other language as soon as possible even though you might fret about what perception you leave on the other with your basic vocabulary, funny accent and grammatical blunders: it’s the only way to learn! It helps you understand the soul of the country and why things are the way they are. The other advantage is that people genuinely value interest from foreigners in their own culture and language.
Green Transition & Energy Cooperation (see elsewhere)
Norway is a major energy producer how can the Netherlands and Norway deepen cooperation in the energy transition?
How important is collaboration in carbon capture and storage (CCS) between the two countries?
Do you see opportunities for joint North Sea infrastructure projects in the coming years?
How can Dutch and Norwegian companies jointly contribute to Europe’s climate goals?
For all these questions, see above.
Maritime, Logistics & Innovation (see elsewhere)
Both countries are strong maritime nations how can this shared heritage drive future innovation?
See above.
How important is cooperation in sustainable shipping and green ports?
See above.
What role do innovation clusters and research institutions play in strengthening bilateral trade?
Innovation clusters and research institutions are important players when it comes to fostering new ideas and innovation across companies. “Stronger together” is a great mantra for this.
Business Culture & Leadership
How do Dutch and Norwegian leaders differ in their management styles?
See above.
In your experience, what misunderstandings most commonly arise between Dutch and Norwegian business partners?
If you could highlight one key strength of Dutch Norwegian cooperation, what would it be?
Honest, down-to-earth attitudes that enable innovative approaches to business.
Thank you for taking the time for this interview!
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