Centre of Competence on Rural Development

The Centre of Competence on Rural Development (Distriktssenteret) focuses on gathering, structuring and disseminating know-how and experience on local development efforts. We support and coach local initiatives and actors. Also, we contribute to strengthening counties' and other supporting actors' competence on rural development.

Our know-how allows the Centre to contribute as an advisor to national, regional and local government. Dissemination of competence and experience is based on interviews with local actors and on research. We do not conduct our own research. Research institutes all over Norway are commisioned to document effects of rural policies or to provide basis for future policies.

Our advisers are based in offices in Steinkjer, Sogndal and Alstahaug. Thus, we are on top of activites all over the country. All counties have an assigned adviser. Also, our advisers focus on specific areas of policy, enabling them to accomodate specialiced requests.

The Centre of Competence on Rural Development is managed by Director General Halvor Holmli, located in Steinkjer. We are funded through the National Budget, and receives an annual regulation letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. Our statutes stress the our professional independence.