Havfarm 3: Governmentally driven innovations in Norwegian aquaculture. A challenge for the governing system?

Abstract

The Norwegian aquaculture industry is today experiencing increasing demands of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) from global markets. However, past years has not seen the same rise in production as in value. In a time where several area and environmental-related challenges are hindering further growth of the Norwegian aquaculture industry, the development licenses have become the latest licensing regime established by the Norwegian government to stimulate technological innovations that shall contribute to solve these challenges. One development license concept is Havfarm 3, a mobile aquaculture installation owned by the group Nordlaks. However, it is yet to be materialized, as it is a technological innovation creating challenges for the governing system in terms how to regulate it. As a radical innovation it represents new technology never before explored in the aquaculture industry. Thus, the purpose of this thesis has been to explore some of the many questions that arise in the wake of such an innovation as Havfarm 3, in order to gain insight to what issues the concept is causing. Specifically, questions looked at was; what challenges it is thought to solve, what challenges it will encounter and what challenges it will create for the governing system. To answer these questions, I have interviewed Nordlaks and different representatives from the governing system and its agencies. A brief analysis of relevant documents has also been done. Data showed that Havfarm 3 will primarily contribute to solve the challenge of little available area, but chances are high it will also help better the situation regarding salmon lice, diseases and sedimentary pollution. Further, it was discovered that the challenges Havfarm 3 encounters, is greatly caused by itself creating challenges for the governing system. As a result, the governing system is experiencing regulatory uncertainty, largely due to the phenomenon termed the pacing problem – an innovation gap. Data showed it is also possible to believe that these challenges are enhanced as a result of a fragmented regulatory and organizational framework of the governing system.