The Norwegian fish processing industry : regional adaptation and national policy implications

Abstract

This article focuses on the regional pattern of the fish processing industry in Norway and how this pattern can be included in the national fishery policy in an effort to develop more efficient and market oriented adaptations. After a short presentation of the theoretical point of departure for this analysis, the structure of the Norwegian fishery industry and the regional pattern of adaptation are described. Then we go on to present and discuss the factors behind the diversity of profitability and changes in activity level in the regions during the 1990s . Finally, some policy implications of this regional pattern of adaptation and regional development are discussed. The discussion is based on the findings of recent research, which has investigated how the firms of the Norwegian fish processing industry have adapted to increasing international competition and a national political liberalisation in the 1990s.