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About our region

Rogaland is a county in the Southwest of Norway, bordering the North Sea to the west and serving as a key economic region in both western Norway and southern Norway.

With a population of approximately 500,000, Rogaland is often referred to as a “Norway in miniature” because of its diverse offering. Key industries include energy, maritime industries, technology and innovation, agriculture, aquaculture and fishing, and tourism. The region is a hub of academic and research excellence, hosting the University of Stavanger, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), and leading research institutions like NORCE and NIBIO, fostering innovation and development across various fields.

Explore Rogaland’s distinct regions:

The Stavanger Region, the county’s administrative centre, is the third largest urban centre in Norway and serves as the national energy capital. Here you can find the headquarter of Equinor, the Norwegian Offshore Directorate and the Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority along with a strong presence of energy companies and supplier industry. The region is also home to Nysnø Climate Investments, a Norwegian state-owned investment company focused on funding innovative solutions for reducing emissions and supporting sustainable growth.

Haugalandet, where 40 % of the workforce is employed within the maritime industry, pioneering sustainable shipping and new technologies. Haugalandet is home to several shipping companies, yards and service providers to the maritime industry, who together with the neigbouring region of Sunnhordland had a total revenue of 73 billion NOK in 2024. The Norwegian Seafaring Directorate is located here. Here you will also find Norway’s largest readily zoned industrial area, Haugaland Business Park.

Jæren is a vital agricultural region ensuring the nation's food supply, as well as Norway’s longest sand beaches. The region hosts some of the most innovative industrial technology companies in Norway.

In Ryfylke you will find our most known tourist attractions including Lysefjorden, the Pulpit Rock and the Kjerag Boulder. In this picturesque playground for digital nomads you also find a diverse business structure from small scale cider production to heavy industries. Worth mention is WindWorks Jelsa, a future large-scale offshore wind turbine manufacturing and assembly site in Europe’s largest stone quarry.

The Egersund Region holds one of the best natural harbours in Norway and is an important fishing port. Here you can find the Magma UNESCO Global Geopark. The region offers the world’s most comprehensive Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) training programmes. North Sea Energy Park (NSEP) offers available power and a large area zoned for industry positions the region as a prime location for data centres.

Rogaland Illustration with pinned location for the region

Rogaland is located in the south-west part of Norway. 

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Work-life

One of the defining characteristics of Rogaland is its commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The culture here places a strong emphasis on family, leisure, and well-being. With shorter working hours and generous vacation time, residents of Rogaland can truly savor life beyond the office. The region's pristine natural surroundings offer a multitude of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing, allowing residents to escape the daily grind and reconnect with nature.

Culture & nature

Rogaland´s diverse and captivating landscape is a testament to nature's artistry, characterized by majestic fjords, pristine beaches, and lush forests. Towering cliffs, such as those at Preikestolen, offer breathtaking vistas, while the picturesque Lysefjord invites exploration.

But Rogaland is more than just nature's masterpiece; it's a place where culture thrives. Rooted in Viking heritage, the region's history is etched in ancient runes and celebrated in museums like the Viking House in Stavanger. Rogaland's culture is dynamic and alive, with traditional festivals, music, and dance. Local artisans and craftsmen preserve and evolve traditional craftsmanship, creating unique souvenirs that reflect the region's character.

Rogaland's culinary scene is a fusion of old and new, with a focus on fresh seafood and traditional Norwegian dishes. The region's warm hospitality invites you to savor local delicacies while enjoying breathtaking views of the North Sea.

In Rogaland, nature and culture coexist harmoniously, offering residents and visitors a chance to connect with the earth's wonders and the human spirit's creativity. It's a place where you can hike along rugged trails, immerse yourself in Viking history, and savor the flavors of the sea, all in one extraordinary journey.

Innovation

Rogaland has earned its reputation as a facilitator of groundbreaking ideas and initiatives, particularly in sectors that hold the keys to a sustainable future.

Offshore Wind Energy: Rogaland's strategic coastal location and commitment to renewable energy have made it a global hub for offshore wind projects. Here, innovative technologies harness the power of wind from the North Sea, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.

Aquaculture: In the heart of Rogaland's pristine fjords, the aquaculture industry flourishes. Pioneering sustainable practices, the region has redefined seafood production. Innovation in aquaculture here leads to responsible, eco-friendly, and high-quality seafood.

Battery Innovation: With the world's increasing demand for energy storage solutions, Rogaland is at the forefront of battery innovation. Cutting-edge research and development in this sector make it a hotspot for businesses seeking to revolutionize energy storage technologies.

Hydrogen Production: As the transition to a low-carbon future gains momentum, Rogaland emerges as a leader in green hydrogen production. Companies and researchers in the region are driving innovation in hydrogen technology, offering sustainable solutions to power industries and transportation.

Rogaland's success in fostering innovation is underpinned by a collaborative ecosystem that encourages partnerships between businesses, research institutions, and government entities. This collaborative spirit fosters the rapid development and adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

Whether you're in offshore wind, aquaculture, battery technology, hydrogen production, or any other forward-looking industry, Rogaland provides an ideal environment to transform ideas into reality and shape a more sustainable world.

Prosperity

Rogaland boasts a robust and diversified economy, making it a haven for entrepreneurs and business professionals. The region has a long history of oil and gas production, which has paved the way for a thriving energy sector. However, Rogaland is not limited to traditional industries; it has become a hotspot for innovation in renewable energy, aquaculture, hydrogen production, maritime technology, and more. This economic diversity provides numerous opportunities for both established companies and startups to thrive.

Street art by artist SMUG. Photo by Brian Tallman Photography
Couple drinking coffee while sitting together on the Sola beach_Ruben Soltvedt - Fjord Norway
Preikestolen in Stavanger (Pulpit rock in English).
Sneak peek in the kitchen - Chef Jan Erik Hauge at Tango Restaurant by Fredrik Ahlsen