AVS. Arkitektúr verktækni skipulag - 01.04.2002, Page 56

gained special knowledge or experience, due to natu-
ral or cultural environment.
A bridge between two worlds
lceland lies on top of the mid-Atlantic ridge, where
the tectonic plates of Europe and North-America meet.
The constant movement of these plates explains the
volcanic and geothermal activity in lceland's nature,
which is also a great source of energy. Some have
pointed out that lceland does not only lie midway
between Europe and America geologically, but also cul-
turally, enjoying both the egalitarian Scandinavian wel-
fare and educational system and the North-American
belief in enterpreunership and individual freedom.
Living on an island, it has always been a necessary
and natural part of the lives of lcelanders to go abroad
to seek knowledge and new influence and then adapt it
to their own special circumstances. Good communica-
tions and transport have always been vital.
Much of what makes lceland special, and is so inspir-
ing for the new knowledge-based industries, can per-
haps be better understood when bearing in mind that
lceland lies midway between the Old and New Worlds,
in the vortex of international trends in culture and edu-
cation, where science and culture meet the raw forces
of nature.
Geothermal power is harnessed for heating houses
and generating electricity. The rugged mountains, gla-
ciers and the precipitation caused by lceland's position
in the middle of the Atlantic ocean create powerful
rivers harnessed by hydroelectric powerplants. Reykja-
vík Energy is a large advanced energy enterprise that
has in recent years been building new geothermal pow-
erplants close to the capitol. Expertise and knowledge
in energy solutions is becoming a valuable export of
lceland.
Around lceland are some of the world's richest fish-
ing stocks, making fishing and fish processing the
county’s basic industry. In this field, lcelanders have
gained valuable expertise from sustainable harvesting
of fishing stocks; lcelandic companies have, in recent
years, become world-renowned for their ground-break-
ing technological solutions for the maritime industry.
Development of this cutting-edge technology translates
into the preparation of high-quality health products for
demanding consumers.
From learning to work with the various forces of
nature, lcelanders have excelled at design and con-
struction for extreme conditions. This knowledge is now
utilised all over the globe and is a growing source of
income.
This emphasis on education and embracing new
technology and trends has not only led to thousands of
lcelanders living throughout the world for longer or
shorter periods of time, but to the strengthening of edu-
cational and research institutes. In Reykjavík alone
there are two outstanding universities and various
research institutions.
Education and open-mindedness towards new tech-
nology and its uses have created the basis for growth
in lcelandic industries. Iceland has witnessed a
tremendous growth in Information Technology and
communications, with small, innovative companies
from Reykavík becoming known world-wide. Iceland is
a very strong market for new ideas in communications
and the use of IT in the traditional industries of fishing
and energy have created new ideas and technology.
An advanced health care system, proximity to
unspoilt nature, expertise in harvesting from the riches
of natural resources, use of latest IT and progress in
the fields of biotechnology and medical sciences are
elements of the fertile soil out of which new and pow-
erful companies have grown. Some of them have
become world renown in areas like biotechnology,
medical genetics research, prosthetics, development of
diagnostic medical devices, biopharmaceutics and
pharmaceutics. Reykjavík is the home to this technolo-
gy and as the capital of biotechnology, medical sci-
ence, health care and IT in the Northern Atlantic, the
city offers many advantages for future development.
Tourists have traditionally visited lceland to experi-
ence unique nature, but more and more come to enjoy
culture and arts or to improve their health by enjoying
the geothermal swimming pools and baths of „Spa-city
Reykjavík." Reykjavík's design, fashion, films and
music have become internationally known and coined
the phrase: Reykjavík, Capital of Cool.
Aflvaki s objcctives
Aflvaki's main purpose is to strengthen industrial
development in Reykjavík so the city remains competi-
tively attractive to investors and companies as well as
to serve both its business and residents, thereby fulfil-
ing its role as the capital of lceland.
This Objective Statement is from the Articles of
Associations for Aflvaki Ltd., a development company
jointly owned by the City of Reykjavík, Reykavík
Energy and the Port of Reykjavík. Aflvaki was estab-
lished during an economic correction between 1993-
1994 to address a more active role for city government
in strengthening the foundations of its industries.
Aflvaki Ltd. has undergone some changes. For a
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