CONNECT at Arendalsuka 2025

CONNECT marked its fifth anniversary during Arendalsuka 2025 with a seminar explaining how collaboration between industry, public authorities, and university hospitals can advance the integration of precision medicine in healthcare.

 The seminar was followed by a gathering on Christian Radich, where CONNECT, Oslo Science Hub, and Oslo Cancer Cluster hosted a networking event for the cancer research community. Photo: Oslo Cancer Cluster.

– Come and talk to us. Make greater use of the reference groups we already have in CONNECT, instead of establishing new ones, said Hege Edvardsen during the seminar.

She argued that authorities risk missing opportunities by not fully utilizing the existing networks.

Valuable arenas for collaboration

Edvardsen and Sigbjørn Smeland from CONNECT shared their experiences from the past five years. Edvardsen highlighted the importance of approaching each other with openness, as well as understanding the perspectives and motivations associated with different roles. Smeland underscored CONNECT’s function as a meeting arena where authorities, hospitals, and the private sector can build trust and establish cooperation.

– Having a strong arena to build collaboration and trust is crucial. We believe we have created a model that can also be applied elsewhere, said Smeland.

The collaboration model has received international recognition, including interest from Ireland and Denmark.

A changing world

Healthcare is facing challenges with limited resources, while ambitions for precision medicine continue to grow. The national cancer strategy states that all patients, where relevant, should be offered genetic testing, and Norway aims to be a leader in precision medicine.

Smeland highlighted the ongoing need to establish a unified platform for knowledge and access to new medicines, thereby ensuring that patients receive faster and more effective treatment.

– The world is changing, and we cannot continue to focus on yesterday’s discussions, Edvardsen reminded the audience.

Watch the seminar and gain insight into how Norway is building the healthcare solutions of the future.