Introduction
This presentation addresses innovation in Norwegian salmon farming. With implementation of new technologies pointed out by regulators as crucial to handle prominent challenges in coastal sites, and fish farmers needing optimal solutions for offshore aquaculture operations, the topic is timely. Document analysis and in-depth interviews with experienced people working for suppliers and fish farming companies conducted in 2025-2026 provide insight into key drivers, barriers and success factors for technology development that are relevant to consider moving forward.
Results
Drivers for innovation relate to requirements found in current and expected national regulations pointing towards the need for new technologies. For offshore sites in particular, new farm concepts are crucial to operate safely. Both established and new suppliers are eager to develop what the industry needs to achieve sustainable and profitable production of fish. Fish farmers' internal strategies and decisions regarding the technologies they develop and obtain are consequently essential for the suppliers.
Barriers for technology development in the industry over all include regulatory and framework conditions, economic-, knowledge-related- and relational barriers. Regulations are seen as unpredictable and ill-suited for industry needs. Furthermore, economic barriers include costs, access to capital (investors) and the fish farming companies' willingness to take risks. Procurement capabilities and lack of strategies for innovation are also related to this. Different types of knowledge are often needed for successful innovation processes, and barriers include access to both experience based and experimental knowledge. Suppliers also need access to fish farms to test new solutions in realistic environments. Interviewees described problem-solving in the industry as reactive and pragmatic, applying a trial and failure approach, traditionally occurring within the local communities where the companies are located.
Success factors for innovation for suppliers are still considered to be geographic presence to fish farming companies, as well as access to capital and strong relationships both within and across organizations. A shared understanding among suppliers and fish farmers, and openness from the fish farmers about their challenges to attract entrepreneurs is considered important to unlock innovation moving forward.
Acknowledgment
This research is part of the ongoing projects "Innovation in aquaculture" and "HAVREG" financed by the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund (project numbers 910105 and 910574).