🌍 From aid to sustainable partnership in the IT Sector 💡🤝
In 2008, IKT-Norge took a step onto the international stage by partnering with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help establish our sister organization, STIKK - Kosovo ICT Association, in Kosovo. This was more than just collaboration—it was an ambitious effort to support Kosovo in building up its business sector and creating a future filled with new opportunities. The Norwegian IT industry shared its expertise and resources, contributing to 🌱 sustainable growth and 💡 innovation. This initiative laid the foundation for IKT-Norge’s later international projects, starting with a vision of a stronger, more independent Kosovo. 🇽🇰🤝🇳🇴
Now, in 2024, the circle is complete. 🔁 At "TechTour Innovate: Norway-Kosova Partnerships and Business Collaboration" in Oslo, initiated by Her Excellency, Ambassador Nita Luci, IKT-Norge had the pleasure of participating alongside influential figures from both the public and private sectors in 🇳🇴 Norway and 🇽🇰 Kosovo. The event opened new doors 🚪 for strategic partnerships in innovation, trade, tourism, and investment. 🌟 Today, STIKK and Kosovo’s stakeholders actively seek collaborators in Norway, completing a full circle from Norway’s initial support to a sustainable partnership in the IT sector. 💻✨
Since its inception, STIKK has been a vital force in Kosovo’s IT industry, which has since grown into a dynamic sector creating value and future opportunities. Through the Innovation Centre Kosovo (ICK)—another significant initiative from STIKK and the Utenriksdepartementet—Kosovo’s business community has been supported in building a thriving startup ecosystem. ICK has contributed to the creation of over 10,000 jobs 👨💻 👩💻 and served as a catalyst for technological innovation and skills development 🚀 .
At the event in Oslo, we had the privilege of meeting ICK and STIKK chairmen, Shpend Lila and Ermal Sadiku. It was an opportunity to discuss how our IT sectors can strengthen and inspire each other 💬 moving forward. This meeting heralds a new era of collaboration where Kosovo now stands as an equal partner—not just a recipient, but a contributor of resources and expertise. 🌟💼
The story of STIKK and Norway’s contribution reflects a broader insight: real progress comes from investing in local business sectors. 🌟 Innovation and technology have the power to lift countries out of challenges through 🌱 sustainable growth and 🤝 strategic partnerships.
The event in Oslo represents more than a meeting of business leaders—it showcases how long-term support can evolve into a platform for mutual growth and future opportunities. 🔑 The circle is complete 🔁, but it also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter 📖 in Norwegian-Kosovan collaboration. 🇳🇴🇽🇰✨
Jon Hansen, Fredrik Syversen, Jarle Roheim Håkonsen, Carsten Hjelde, Øyvind Husby, Mali Hole Skogen
https://lnkd.in/dwg5-ayF