Curiosity, cooperation and competency as the key to staying competitive

Valley Voice – a column where our cluster members are in focus. This week we talked with Håkon Rem, General Manager of Nemko Scandinavia.

– The shift we see now regarding technology development and the energy transition requires a new way of cooperation between the companies in Norway, says Rem. 

1. What are you doing right now?

Our business model has since 1933 been built around electrical products and how we can make the world a safer place. We see a growing interest in our services. Innovative technologies, trends, and regulations within areas like radio/IoT, cyber security, battery, and sustainability will accelerate this more in the years to come. As an enabler for export for companies around the globe, we work every day to deliver and develop new services.

2. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the future?

We see a lot of new regulations coming up, especially regarding the use of energy and chemicals in components. This might be an obstacle for companies exporting, and we also experience that these requirements rapidly change as it is also high on the political agenda in the different countries around the globe. The rapid development in technology as key drivers for energy transition requires a new way of thinking when it comes to standardization so that manufacturers can get their products exported out to the world faster.

The shift we see now regarding technology development and the energy transition requires a new way of cooperation between the companies in Norway. We all need to be more curious about each other and see how we can cooperate and use our competence in a new way, this can be one of the keys to how Norway still can be a driver in the production and export of technology in also green energy. There are a lot of opportunities here.

3. How is Nemko working to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050?

In 2020, the Nemko Foundation updated its statutes to be working not only for product safety but also for sustainability and the environment. We have developed a sustainability strategy that outlines how Nemko shall meet the expectations set out in the Foundation Statutes. Development within chemical testing, battery testing, and environmental management system certification has become focus areas in the process. We bring almost 100 years of experience from testing, inspection, system certification, and other conformity assessment activities to the table, so we have a key role to play in this context.

4. What keeps you awake at night with regards to the energy transition?

We are still in the process of identifying where we best can contribute and how. We have a lot of competence in Norway and in the rest of the Nemko Group around the world. The question is how can we utilize this as the best way to support this important move? The knowledge gap and knowledge capture are at the core of the challenges to this radical transition!

5. What do you think will be the most valuable thing about being a member of Energy Valley?

Three years ago we moved to Lysaker and Philip Pedersens vei 11. The location was important when we looked for a new place to stay. The proximity to Fornebu and all the development going on there was important, so the network that Energy Valley brings is particularly important to us. We are extremely interested to learn more from and about the members. Together can find out how we can help each other.

6. Is there any book that has inspired you in the way you lead?

The biggest impact for me has been to work with good mentors in a long carrier in Siemens. The overall goal is to find solutions for “challenges for our society”, now defined in UN Sustainability Goals.

I recently read “Jegerånden” by Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen. I noted, in particular, the importance of trust in leadership.

7. Which Energy Valley member do you want to pass the baton on to?

I would like to pass the baton on to Wendy Lam, at Baker Hughes.

Thank you, Håkon!