- Kongsberg Agenda has been a great addition to the city, and I am impressed by what they have achieved in such a short time! We are a technology capital in Norway, and I feel that we are consolidating that position through Kongsberg Agenda. It is so cool that we get to show the world what we have here in Kongsberg! We also get the technology out into the city and onto the streets, and I think it is very positive for our residents that they also get to see what is happening inside the technology park.
Line Spiten has been present during Kongsberg Agenda, both the first year in 2022 and in 2023, and she says that she has enjoyed seeing all the activity, all the events and the commitment of those who have been involved.
- Not least, this has become a new public festival in Kongsberg, in addition to the jazz festival that comes two weeks later. During this year's Kongsberg Agenda, we had, among other things, a party leader debate, and a large, beautiful arena for concerts in the middle of Kongsberg city center. It was incredibly fun to see the bustling life! Kongsberg Agenda is positive for the entire business community in the city – cafes, restaurants and shops – everyone benefits from the activity that takes place.
Do you have any dream guests for Kongsberg Agenda 2024?
- As mayor and politician in Kongsberg, we naturally hope that decision-makers at the national level will attend, as we also had in 2023. Thematically, I hope for a focus on health technology and artificial intelligence, and how we can work together to put in place exciting and innovative solutions for the future. We need to look at how the various actors can collaborate in a concrete way, and I believe Kongsberg Agenda can facilitate that.
The Kongsberg mayor believes that Kongsberg Agenda is and should be the arena where all technology communities in Norway come together to exchange experiences and learn from each other.
- Maybe this could be one of Kongsberg's contributions to us developing the world further? We have so many smart minds, both here in Kongsberg and in the rest of the country, and getting together and meeting can lead to incredible things. And not just during the events during the day, but perhaps just as much as the informal meeting place in the evening, where you can meet for mingling and casual chat at concerts and other fun things.
The public health perspective is also important, Spiten believes, that we in Kongsberg get more meeting places and events where people get out to meet other people. Kongsberg municipality also has an important role here.
- The municipality should be involved in facilitating public festivals, such as both Kongsberg Agenda and Kongsberg Jazz Festival. It is incredibly important that we are involved in creating arenas where people meet and have a good time together. It is simply good for health that we have meeting places that facilitate physical gatherings, especially in the society we live in, where more and more happens digitally.
When it comes to Kongsberg Agenda in the anniversary year, Spiten has huge expectations!
- They have managed to grow and surprise from year to year, and I know they have big plans in store for 2024. I'm really looking forward to it, and I'm sure it will be both fun, educational and inspiring!
