Nordic Testbed Network
– supporting digital transformation in the Nordic and Baltic bioeconomy
Digitalisation plays a vital role in the rapid development of the Nordic and Baltic bioeconomy. Access to cutting edge platforms for development, so-called testbeds, where new digital knowledge and technology can be developed is fundamental. To meet this need, and to support the digital transformation of the Nordic and Baltic bioeconomy, the Nordic Testbed Network was initiated.
VISION of Nordic Testbed Network (PDF)
Nordic and Baltic added value
The Nordic and Baltic countries are at the forefront of both the digital transformation and in developing the bioeconomy. As a result of the joint Nordic and Baltic interest in a digital bioeconomy, there are multiple testbeds all over the Nordic and Baltic countries aiming to push this development. High-performing testbeds do however require extensive resources, and testbeds are specialised on specific topics. By creating a Nordic and Baltic network of testbeds, we facilitate the exchange of knowledge and technology transfer in the Nordic and Baltic region. In this way, more people have easier access, and possibility to contribute, to the development of testbeds that suits them, no matter where in the Nordic and Baltic region they are located. This is resource optimisation in practice.
Background of the initiative
The Nordic Testbed Network is managed by Nordic Forest Research (SNS), Nordic Agri Research (NKJ) and the Nordic Council of Ministers’ working group on fisheries, and is aligned with initiatives such as the North Digital Declaration and the Nordic Bioeconomy Program. It is based on the initiative ‘Digitalisation in the Nordic bioeconomy’ undertaken by SNS and NKJ during 2018, which highlighted testbeds as an important part of strengthening the Nordic and Baltic bioeconomy’s profitability and competitiveness.
Are we on the same page?
Bioeconomy refers to the biomass-based part of the total economy. It is often associated with concepts like green economy and circular economy. In the Nordic Testbed Network, it is defined as agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture and focus lies on primary production.
Digitalisation is a process of structural changes (e.g. new business models, system level innovations, and infrastructure solutions) enabled by the development and deployment of digital technology. Digitisation is one (technical) component of digitalisation and refers to the conversion of information from analogue to digital format.
Testbeds are physical or virtual environments where businesses, academia and other organisations can interact in the development, testing and introduction of new products, services, processes or organisational solutions in selected areas. A well-designed testbed has effectively integrated both ”hardware” (equipment, physical facilities etc.) and ”software” (competence, organisation, service offerings etc).