About us
Ostfold Research Co. is the continuation of the Ostfold Research Foundation established in 1988. As a foundation, the institute was known as STO (STØ). We constitute a regionally based research company performing applied research and development within two main areas:
- Environmental Protection, with focus on the reduction of climate gas emissions, energy consumption and waste as well as minimising other environmental impacts
- Business and Regional Development, with focus on innovation in companies and networks of companies, as well as the public sector
Read more about the research.
23 highly qualified staff work at Ostfold Research. Three of the researchers hold PhDs and five are currently working on their doctorates in, respectively, network development between companies, environmental technology, energy trade and the environment and energy efficient service production.
Ostfold Research in a regional, national and international context
Ostfold Research was established with the aim of contributing to and strengthen research activities in the county of Ostfold and is an important driving force for regional development together with Ostfold University College, the Institute for Energy Technology -IFE, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences - UMB, Ostfold County Council and the employers' and workers' organisations (NHO and LO). Ostfold Research is a part of the Norwegian organisation for regionally based research, known as the FOKUS institutes.
During its 20 years of existence, more than 350 million nok in research grants have been directed to the county via Ostfold Research, of which 120 involved projects benefiting industries in Ostfold. Additionally, 120 highly qualified personnel have been recruited to the county, of which approximately 100 are now employed by other institutions or companies in the region. In relation to the original capital of 6 million nok, Ostfold Research can be seen to be a successful investment for the region.
Ostfold Research also plays an important national and international role in supporting companies in development and environmental declarations and resource efficient products and processes. Examples are sea food packaging, biogas, bioethanol, electricity, waste management, efficient buildings and building materials, office chairs and paint products.
Ownership and board
Ostfold Research is a public limited company owned by Ostfold County Council, Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg local councils, the Regional Council for Inner Ostfold (Indre Østfold Regionråd), Ostfold Energi, COWI and the employees. The ownership arrangement was changed from foundation to a limited company from which the owners cannot draw dividends but all the profits have to be utilised within the company. This was due to revisions in the Foundation Law and the desire to have a more strategic ownership as a basis for further development of the company.
The company has a board of seven members who are elected by the owners. The article of incorporation provides the following three institutions with a permanent position on the board: The Norwegian Research Council, Ostfold County Council and the Employees' shareholder company.
Our location
Ostfold Research has its offices in the Værste area of Fredrikstad, close to Ostfold University College and COWI, and together they make up a substantial part of the new development at the former Fredrikstad shipyard.