The Nordic Additive Manufacturing Alliance (NAMA) is a strategic and timely initiative to strengthen Nordic cooperation in additive manufacturing (AM, industrial 3d printing). Its potential in delivering critical parts rapidly was seen e.g. during the COVID-19 crisis.
Background
AM is a critical technology for sustainability, digitalization, innovation and industrial competitiveness. These challenges are already visible in critical Nordic sectors such as defense, energy, healthcare and key industrial infrastructure, where access to components, spare parts and qualified production capacity is increasingly uncertain. Recent crises have shown that strategic manufacturing capabilities cannot rely solely on global supply chains or national solutions. Without rapid, coordinated Nordic action, the region risks losing the ability to secure critical production, respond to disruptions and scale innovation when it is most needed.
AM enables local, digital and resource-efficient production, reduces material waste, supports circular business models and allows on-demand manufacturing of critical components. It is a key enabler of the green and digital transition. However, despite strong national AM ecosystems in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, collaboration today remains fragmented. Knowledge, production capacity and investments are not systematically shared across borders, limiting impact and increasing strategic risk.
Over two years, the project will unite the leading national AM hubs: FAME (FIN),
Danish AM Hub (DEN), RISE (SWE) and Norwegian AM (NOR), to define, design and initiate a permanent Nordic Additive Manufacturing Alliance. NAMA will create the structures, governance and shared understanding needed to act collectively rather than nationally.
Project goal
The goal NAMA will map the Nordic AM ecosystem, identify industry needs and opportunities, and engage researchers, businesses and policymakers in making the Nordic region a frontrunner in applying AM.
NAMA will have a formal organization and act as the unified Nordic voice towards European policymakers and industries.
Project partners
| DIMECC Ltd - project lead | Finland |
| RISE - Research Institutes of Sweden | Sweden |
| Norwegian Additive Manufacturing Cluster | Norway |
| Danish AM Hub | Denmark |
Nordic added value
By establishing the Nordic Additive Manufacturing Alliance (NAMA), the project strengthens regional collaboration, accelerates the green transition, and enhances industrial resilience across borders.
The project’s objectives cannot be achieved at a national level. Each Nordic country holds complementary strengths within the AM value chain:
- Sweden leads in materials and powder production,
- Finland in industrial implementation and digital design,
- Denmark in circular business models and innovation hubs,
- Norway in maritime and energy applications.
By combining these strengths, NAMA creates a unique Nordic competitive advantage: a cross-border innovation ecosystem that no single country could build alone.
