Nordic Semiconductor : The Norwegian government wants to work with the business community, and currently pays visits to companies in Norway within the sectors of r...

Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry, Jan Christian Vestre, has paid a visit to Nordic Semiconductor's head office in Trondheim as part of the Norwegian government's efforts to accelerate new 'green' industrial projects, while at the same time creating jobs, strengthening investment, and boosting the country's exports, an ambition fully shared by Nordic.

"We think it's great that the Minister of Trade and Industry takes the time to sit down with those who create jobs and is willing to hear what needs we have to grow a sustainable company," says Svenn-Tore Larsen, CEO of Nordic Semiconductor. "The most important thing is to understand what is needed to strengthen our international position as a driving force for a green industrial boost."

Environmental commitment

"Nordic Semiconductor's commitment to ESG [Environmental, Social and corporate Governance] goes far beyond the footprint we set ourselves. More than 80 percent of our investment goes towards innovation for the development of sustainable and energy efficient technology we will see in a few years' time."

With around 1300 employees at locations in 17 countries across four continents, Nordic Semiconductor specializes in the leading-edge low power wireless technology that powers the IoT. The company holds a long-standing commitment to sustainability, and was recently recognized as one of the top 100 companies by STOXX Global ESG Leaders Index, the benchmark for sustainability champions. Nordic is also committed to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Technology and sustainability

"Sustainability depends on technology and innovation projects within the IoT that can contribute to the realization of the United Nations' sustainability goals," says Larsen. "This will be decisive for the transition to products and services that have significantly fewer negative consequences for the climate and environment than today. Every device we produce is designed to maximize battery life and reduce the environmental impact of millions of batteries, and many of the IoT products supported by Nordic technology are being used in applications that improve the environment, from air quality and energy monitors, to protecting endangered species and mitigating deforestation."

Larsen said it is critical Norway and its Scandinavian neighbors show even greater interest in microelectronics and semiconductors in European politics as a success factor to realize the region's sustainability goals and to secure jobs, and welcomed the dialogue with the Minister of Trade and Industry as a positive step towards helping deliver a green shift. "He had good questions, this was hopefully just the beginning of an important collaboration with the ministry," says Larsen.