Presentation Title
a taste of rural identity

Notes from presentation:

• From Stavanger region/Norwegian islands. Mixed population from¬†Europe, Baltic Sea region, more recently Americans, French and Dutch.
• Norway is a rich country with 4.7 million inhabitants.
• Recent decrease of population on island – why, when it is¬†attractive area only 45 minutes from mainland?
• Recent centralisation led to reduction in number of boats, taxi¬†service no longer running, no buses. High school moved and bank¬†closed.
• House prices still increasing, however.
• Major challenges are to empower SMEs, find a brand for region and¬†optimise services.
• Now building 2 sub-sea tunnels to connect islands to mainland -¬†huge investment.
• But bigger labour and service markets are required so people can¬†live in countryside.
• Norway takes care of whole community by investing on behalf of¬†nation all over world.
• Investment in the infrastructure of country is the key.