Selskapet for Norges vel
An independent Norwegian development organization that supports viable communities through cooperation, knowledge-sharing, entrepreneurship, and business development.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Selskapet for Norges vel, formally known as Det Kongelige Selskap for Norges Vel and commonly referred to as Norges Vel, is an independent Norwegian development organization established in 1809. Its work is focused on strengthening viable communities through cooperation, knowledge-sharing, project development, entrepreneurship, and the creation of commercially sustainable activities. Although it originated as a national improvement society during the Denmark–Norway period, it has evolved into a practical development organization working in Norway and internationally. The society operates across agriculture, marine activities, renewable energy, climate and environmental initiatives, food and experience-based concepts, research and commercialization, and entrepreneurial services. Its operating model emphasizes collaboration among public authorities, businesses, communities, researchers, and civil-society actors. Rather than functioning primarily as a consumer-facing product brand, Norges Vel provides development expertise, project management, organizational support, business development, and partnership-based solutions. In Norway, the organization works with local and regional communities and with businesses seeking to develop sustainable commercial activity. Internationally, it has undertaken projects in the Balkans, Latin America, and southern and eastern Africa, including work connected with agriculture, marine resources, energy, entrepreneurship, and community development. The society also maintains an office in Tanzania. Its Norwegian offices include the headquarters at Hellerud in Lillestrøm Municipality and branch offices in Bergen and Levanger. Norges Vel has nearly 30 employees and offers membership to individuals, companies, and other organizations. Its institutional role also includes administering or distributing funds from the Norwegian Development Fund. In addition, it presents the Norwegian Development Entrepreneurship Award, known as Norges Vels Gründerpris, and confers the Medal for Long and Faithful Service, recognizing sustained and loyal service. The organization has a substantial historical connection with the development of Norwegian education, agriculture, industry, and public institutions. In the early nineteenth century it helped mobilize support for a Norwegian university, contributing to the national effort that led to the establishment of the University of Oslo in 1811. It also created an early publishing operation, operated in a patent-related capacity until the state assumed that function in 1885, supported agricultural education, and helped advance livestock and dairy expertise. Its historical emphasis on practical cooperation and knowledge transfer remains visible in its contemporary focus on sustainable development and viable communities.
History
The Royal Norwegian Society for Development was founded on 29 December 1809 as Selskabet for Norges Vel. Its creation was associated with Bishop Frederik Julius Bech, Jacob Rosted, assessor Peter Collett, Ludvig Stoud Platou, Martin Richard Flor, and Count Herman Wedel Jarlsberg. The early society established branches in major Norwegian towns and served as a forum for national improvement at a time when Norway was part of the Denmark–Norway realm. Herman Wedel Jarlsberg recognized that the organization could also support Norwegian national interests. In 1810, the society initiated a fundraising campaign for a Norwegian university. The appeal was directed to King Frederik VI, and the effort ultimately contributed to the founding of the University of Oslo in 1811. The organization also became involved in education and public knowledge. It established an early publishing operation in 1810 to print and distribute its own materials, and later Henrik Wergeland used the society as a vehicle for promoting public education. The society's historical activities extended into institutional development. It operated in a patent-office role until responsibility for that activity was transferred to the Norwegian state in 1885. It also contributed to the development of sectors that later became part of Norway's public administration, education system, and national economy. After Norway adopted its constitution in 1814 and the society had achieved several of its initial national objectives, the organization was reorganized with a stronger emphasis on agriculture as a means of social and economic development. Its methods remained based on cooperation, the exchange of knowledge, and practical business development. It supported the creation of agricultural schools and helped establish the precursor of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in 1848. The society promoted improved agricultural skills and imported specialist knowledge. Swiss cattle breeders were brought to Norway to teach animal husbandry and dairy practices, a development associated with the Norwegian term “sveiser” for a livestock farmer. In 1852, the organization provided Norway with its first travelling agronomist, extending agricultural expertise beyond individual institutions and into rural communities. In 1856, it helped establish the Rausjødalen Dairy, described as Norway's first dairy cooperative and a predecessor of the modern Tine cooperative enterprise. In the modern period, Norges Vel has retained its development-oriented identity while broadening its sectoral and geographic scope. It now works with agriculture, marine activities, renewable energy, climate and environmental issues, food and experience concepts, research commercialization, entrepreneurship, and community-based business development. Projects have been conducted in Norway, the Balkans, Latin America, and southern and eastern Africa. The organization operates from its headquarters at Hellerud in Lillestrøm Municipality, with Norwegian offices in Bergen and Levanger and an international office in Tanzania. Today, Norges Vel is an independent membership organization serving individuals, businesses, and other organizations. It supports projects and partnerships intended to make communities more economically, socially, and environmentally viable. It also administers or distributes funds from the Norwegian Development Fund and maintains recognition programs including the Norwegian Development Entrepreneurship Award and the Medal for Long and Faithful Service.
- 1885
Transfer of patent-office responsibilities
[1]The Norwegian state assumed the patent-office function that the society had operated until that point.
- 1856
Rausjødalen Dairy cooperative
[1]The society helped establish Rausjødalen Dairy, regarded as Norway's first dairy cooperative and a predecessor of Tine.
- 1852
First travelling agronomist
[1]Norges Vel supplied Norway's first travelling agronomist, extending agricultural knowledge and advice to rural communities.
- 1848
Support for agricultural higher education
[1]The society helped establish an institution that became a precursor of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
- 1811
Contribution to the founding of the University of Oslo
[1]The fundraising effort supported the national movement that resulted in the establishment of the University of Oslo.
- 1810
National university fundraising initiative
[1]The society initiated a national fundraising effort to support the creation of a Norwegian university, appealing directly to King Frederik VI.
- 1810
Early publishing activity
[1]The organization established an early Norwegian publishing operation for printing and distributing its own materials.
- 1809
Foundation of the society
[1]Selskabet for Norges Vel was established on 29 December 1809 by a group including Frederik Julius Bech, Jacob Rosted, Peter Collett, Ludvig Stoud Platou, Martin Richard Flor, and Herman Wedel Jarlsberg.
Products and positioning
An independent, ethically based development partner using collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business development to create sustainable and viable communities.
Development services
Project development and project management
Norges Vel develops and manages projects intended to strengthen communities, enterprises, and local value chains. Its approach combines planning, coordination, knowledge transfer, and cooperation among public, private, and community stakeholders.
Business development services
Business and entrepreneurship development
The organization provides support for business development, entrepreneurship, commercialization, and entrepreneurial services. These activities are designed to help communities and enterprises develop viable and sustainable economic opportunities.
Sustainable development programs
Agriculture, marine, and renewable-energy initiatives
Norges Vel works across agriculture, marine activities, renewable energy, climate, and environmental development. Projects apply cooperation and practical expertise to sectors considered important for resilient communities and sustainable local economies.
Award
Norwegian Development Entrepreneurship Award
Norges Vels Gründerpris is an award associated with the organization that recognizes entrepreneurship and development-oriented business activity in Norway.
Recognition program
Medal for Long and Faithful Service
The Medal for Long and Faithful Service is conferred by the society to recognize sustained and loyal service.
Sources2 sources
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