Energiø
Everyone has a role in,
that we are ready
Business Centre Bornholm is to help Bornholm-based businesses become ready for the opportunities that are opening up with the arrival of the offshore wind industry on Bornholm, and the future as an energy island that is now taking shape.
Everyone has a part to play in getting us ready
By Jon Albjerg Ravnholt
24 November 2020
Business Center Bornholm is to help Bornholm's businesses get ready for the opportunities that open up with the offshore wind industry's arrival on Bornholm, and the future as an energy island that is now taking shape. Chairman of the Board Karen Bladt is pleased with the support for the joint project that she observes from all sides, but at the same time stresses that hard work will be required to reach the goals.
What are the perspectives of Bornholm as an energy island?
Bornholm as an energy island could be a game-changer for Bornholm businesses and society. If we prepare thoroughly, create and seize the opportunities, then Bornholm as an energy island could mean that our existing businesses can grow, Bornholm can attract new exciting businesses, and perhaps new businesses can emerge. This will open up a new labour market with interesting new job opportunities. When I mention existing businesses, this includes both businesses that we would consider natural sub-contractors – that is, machine shops, electricians, etc. – but it is also businesses that make a living by servicing all the many people who come to Bornholm in connection with projects. In other words, hotels, restaurants and other service businesses.
What does it require from Bornholm's side to succeed in becoming that?
It requires a focused and dedicated effort where all stakeholders work together to get ready. The stakeholders
includes, amongst others, the local businesses, Rønne Harbour, Bornholm's
Regional Municipality, Campus Bornholm and the workers. Everyone has a role to play in us being ready. We need a shared understanding of what it means to become an energy island, and we must set a joint ambition for where we want to go with it. We can only do that by working together and coordinating the effort. Here, I believe we can have a huge advantage in that we are a relatively small community. We know each other and can pull together. I hope that the businesses which already now
has gained experience, will help to share it. And then we must systematically follow up on what we learn along the way, and continue working with them.
Is the Bornholm business community ready to upskill itself to match the needs that will arise from the offshore wind industry?
The Bornholm business community is ready, but there is a need for an overview and more knowledge: What is required to become a supplier, and how should we prepare? There will be a need for investments in training, equipment and certifications. Here I can be a little concerned about whether the corona crisis has put such heavy pressure on Bornholm companies that they may find it difficult to make the necessary investments. Here, Business Center Bornholm has an important role to play as a partner and facilitator.
Do you get the sense that Campus Bornholm is ready too? And Bornholm's
Regional municipality
They are ready. Campus Bornholm is ready to play a role in the continuing professional development of our workforce, and they are an important player in ensuring that we have the qualified labour that this sector demands. By employing an energy island officer, the Municipal Council of Bornholm is also showing that they are ready to provide what is required. There is a need for coordination, and I also think that there is still a major political task in ensuring that important tasks do not fall
except Bornholm.
What support is Business Center Bornholm to provide during the process?
Business Center Bornholm must support companies in their work to create the necessary change. It is about securing knowledge for Bornholm: equipping companies so that they know the requirements for, e.g., certifications, sustainability requirements, how to work with this industry, etc. A great deal of work also lies in securing development funds for Bornholm. Business Center Bornholm must help ensure that we apply for all business promotion funds that it is possible to apply for, and that they go out to work for the benefit of the companies. Development initiatives must be created with the Bornholm companies at the centre, ensuring that together we develop in the right direction. Therefore, it is important that Business Center Bornholm constantly understands the challenges and wishes of the companies, and that Business Center Bornholm, together with the companies, defines future development initiatives.
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