A global perspective with Nordic roots
Born and raised in Norway, Sindre’s career has taken him far beyond Nordic shores. His international experience spans roles in Mexico, Guatemala, and the United States, including time spent at the Norwegian Consulate General in San Francisco, where he worked closely with Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem. “Living and working abroad has shaped how I see the world,” he reflects. “It’s given me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the power of collaboration across borders.”
Yet, despite his global outlook, Sindre remains deeply connected to his Nordic roots. He highlights the unique strengths of the region—trust, shared values, and a collaborative spirit—as key enablers of innovation. “In the Nordics, trust reduces transaction costs. It allows us to move quickly and work effectively together. That’s a huge advantage when tackling big challenges like climate change or digital transformation”.
A catalyst for change
Sindre’s enthusiasm about leading Nordic Innovation is evident. “What an incredible privilege it is to work together with a stellar and diverse team of Nordic colleagues on shaping the society we want to live in,” he says. “To contribute to the green transition, the digital transformation, and to be part of creating meaningful change— we have a dream job.”
Central to his vision is the ambition to position Nordic Innovation as a catalyst for systemic change. “We’re not just here to fund projects; we’re here to spark initiatives, connect the right actors, and take calculated risks to drive innovation,” he explains. “Our role is to point a direction and work together with a broad network of businesses, governmental organizations and others to carve out a path towards that vision.”
And he explains, “We are on a mission with three new programs and work to find new innovative solutions for 2030, to help companies move from idea to implementation. And build a digital foundation for the future, focusing on critical technologies, supply security, and DeepTech to ensure the Nordics are prepared for tomorrow. We will help Nordic companies grow and scale internationally.”
And about the importance of being bold and forward-thinking, he says, “We’re working on timelines towards 2030 and 2050, and we need to embrace risk as an integral part of innovation. Not everything will succeed, but every step teaches us something valuable.”
He also sees storytelling as a critical tool for impact. “We need to ensure people understand who we are and what we do. That means being out there, engaging with businesses, and sharing our story. We aim for Nordic Innovation to be known as a trusted partner for developing ideas, and a driver of real change.”
Stronger together
When asked what makes the Nordic region uniquely positioned to lead on sustainability and innovation, Sindre points to its collective strength. “If the Nordics were one economy, we’d be the 11th largest economy in the world. Together, we have a critical mass of actors, complementary strengths, and a shared set of values that give us a strong voice internationally.”
He also highlights the concept of “Nordic added value”—the idea that collaboration across the region creates opportunities that individual countries couldn’t achieve alone. “Circular economy is a great example of where real change requires us to think bigger than individual projects. It’s about finding solutions that work across entire systems—bringing the right actors together and creating structures that enable long-term impact.”
Lessons from the field
Sindre’s diverse career has gained him with a blend of perspectives—from diplomacy to scalable tech, from heavy industry to public policy. “I’ve learned the importance of respecting expertise, embracing diversity, and giving teams the freedom to excel, he says.”
He also credits his time in Silicon Valley for shaping his understanding of ecosystems and networks. “Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It thrives in ecosystems where people collaborate, challenge each other, and push boundaries. That’s something which is fundamental to the role of Nordic Innovation, having an active, conscious, and curious approach to building partnerships and exploring new ideas.
Looking ahead
As he embarks on this new chapter, Sindre is clear about what he hopes to achieve. “I want us to look back in eight years and say, ‘Wow, we made a difference.’ I want Nordic Innovation to be known as a driver of positive societal change, a place where exciting things happen, and a partner that people trust and respect.”
But it’s also about reaching the goals in the right way. “I hope we have fun, learn, grow, and inspire each other. Because at the end of the day, innovation is about people, and it sometimes makes you achieve even more than you set out to do. It’s about curiosity, courage, and connection.”
Together with the team at Nordic Innovation, he invites both new and existing partners to join the dialogue and collaborate on shaping a more sustainable and innovative future.
Facts about Sindre
Name: Sindre Bornstein
Age: 44
Residence: Oslo
Education: Economist (Siviløkonom)
International experience: Has lived and worked in Mexico, Guatemala, and the USA
Hobbies: Traveling, hiking in nature with his family, baseball and bicycles
Passions: Sustainability, innovation, and collaboration across sectors and borders
