Chapter 7: FSi - World-class products for perilous times
The Norwegian Defence and Security Industry Association (FSi) sees its mission as “to foster framework conditions for member companies to succeed in the domestic and global defence and security markets, thereby contributing to Norway’s defence and security goals”. FSi claims to be the only industrial association serving the defence and security sectors and “the primary interlocutor for the government in matters of importance to the industry... a single point of contact for the Norwegian authorities in strategic and political issues that affect the industry, and a focal point for foreign contractors seeking cooperation with Norwegian companies in relation to Norwegian defence procurements abroad and international collaborative programmes”. In view of the challenges currently facing society, FSi is increasingly focused on issues associated with civil preparedness, emergency services and disaster relief. The association is affiliated (and shares premises) with the NHO - Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, the main representative body for Norwegian employers with a current membership of nearly 20,000 companies – a link which provides FSi with additional clout in its dialogue with the government and the Armed Forces. Comprising over 100 companies from all parts of Norway, FSi is a diversified group ranging from major national defence contractors to one-man businesses with unique niche capabilities built on innovation and advanced technology serving both the military and civil markets. About 85 per cent of FSi’s members are SMEs. Norway is an educated nation, boasting one of the world’s highest ratios of college or university degrees. FSi member companies employ several tens of thousands of highly skilled individuals, in defence-related activities. These companies offer a wide range of key technologies, products and services. However, a shared characteristic is a strong niche focus. Through decades of close cooperation with the Norwegian Armed Forces, national research establishments and NATO, and with global defence contractors, the industry has played a key role developing relevant operational capabilities that have proven their effectiveness in a number of international coalition operations. Many of the companies have been exceedingly successful in applying their technology, skills and competences in the civilian marketplace: reaping the benefits of possessing true “dual use” capabilities. FSi works with the Ministry of Defence to develop framework conditions that will facilitate further development and strengthen the Norwegian defence and security industrial base, while safeguarding compliance with the Armed Forces’ requirements for cost-effective state-of-the-art equipment and systems to achieve the best possible operational capabilities. The association takes an active role in promoting the interests of member companies through contact with politicians, government authorities and the media. FSi works through key national and international public forums to secure competitive framework conditions for its members, while fostering close links with national, industrial and R&D bodies to ensure that public spending in the defence and security sector yields the desired technological, industrial and commercial dividends. The association advises members on major projects and on procurement in general, national and international, and promotes the development of industry clusters with a view to extending the capabilities of individual companies. Industrial cooperation agreements between the Norwegian Ministry of Defence and foreign contractors, related to major Norwegian defence procurements abroad, are instrumental in securing market access and industrial partnerships for Norwegian Defence and Security Industries. In order to promote such arrangements and create a venue for networking and information exchange, FSi conducts bilateral industry seminars, often in cooperation with sister organizations in the country in question. Emphasis is on offset-related opportunities, but when applicable, international collaborative programs are also addressed. The association also advises and provides guidance to foreign contractors seeking industrial cooperation in Norway. On the international scene FSi represents Norway in the NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) and acts as a focal point for companies participating in NIAG studies. The association is also member of Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), with a seat on the board of ASD, and actively participates in several committees and working groups to facilitate opportunities for Norwegian industry in international cooperative projects. FSi’s scope is broadening as the dividing lines between many (if not most) areas of responsibility involving the defence authorities and civilian security and protective agencies become less distinct. Homeland security This convergence of defence and security challenges inspired the launch in 2006, on the initiative of a number of FSi member companies, of a project aiming to establish a nationwide “public security industry cluster” (INIS) capable of developing and delivering world-class products to meet this new range of threats. By contrast with such traditional hazards as wars, sabotage, espionage, and natural and environmental disasters, threats to national security are increasingly perceived as internationalized and asymmetrical: various forms of terrorism, organized crime, cyber- and environmental crime and natural disasters are among the most obvious examples. In line with government thinking, the INIS concept involves widening the concept of security beyond traditional defence-related issues so as to involve a range of companies, institutions and government authorities in non-military sectors such as justice, civil preparedness, healthcare, transportation and policing. | ||||
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Telemark Battalion’s Leopard 2A4 main battle tank | ||||
