Cooperation between Ukraine and Norway in the IT sector: Che IT Group's success story

At Che IT Group, we're witnessing firsthand how digital collaboration between Norway and Ukraine is reaching new heights. For over eight years, our team has been at the forefront of delivering innovative technology solutions in Norway, contributing to the growing success story of Norwegian-Ukrainian partnerships. Our journey in the Norwegian digital landscape showcases how Ukrainian IT expertise can create lasting value in digital Norway, establishing strong, mutually beneficial relationships that stand the test of time.

"People often ask, why Norway? It might seem like the farthest corner of Europe. But in reality, this Nordic country is much closer to Ukraine than it might seem at first glance," Alex Lozitskyi, our CEO, reflects. In recent years, technological collaboration between Ukrainian and Norwegian companies has proven that geography is no longer an obstacle to building successful partnerships, especially in the IT sector.

"When we started in 2014, we were faced with a decision — whether to focus on the local market or expand internationally," Alex recalls. "Although we had stronger connections in Ukraine, we chose the more challenging path: targeting the European market, with a particular focus on Scandinavia".

We began our journey in the Norwegian market with a clear strategic decision. "We understood that we could create additional value through service cost differentials and our understanding of the European mentality," Alex explains. "From the start, we positioned ourselves as a mature team that understands Europeans and knows how to work with them. Importantly, we weren't just looking for clients but building long-term partnerships".

The Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC) was pivotal in establishing the company in the Norwegian market. "NUCC became our first official client, for whom we developed a website. This defined our course toward Scandinavian markets, particularly Norway," Alex remembers. NUCC provided the first project and became a reliable partner in business development, actively facilitating "matchmaking" between companies from both countries.

The collaboration between Norwegian and Ukrainian technology companies is gaining particular significance today. Norway is technologically advanced, with robust government programs supporting digitalization and a strong demand for high-quality IT services. Meanwhile, Ukraine possesses a well-developed technological infrastructure and highly skilled specialists capable of meeting these needs exceptionally.

Understanding the Norwegian Market

Norwegian Business Culture Characteristics

Working with Norwegian clients has revealed some fascinating insights into the local business environment. "Norwegians tend to prefer doing business with other Norwegians. They're quite reserved, not only in social settings but also in the professional sphere," Alex explains. "Earning the trust of a Norwegian partner takes time and considerable effort. The most effective way to build new partnerships is through recommendations from other Norwegian companies".

A crucial factor in establishing these relationships is maintaining a consistent presence in the business community. "Attending individual events rarely leads to clients. What really matters is showing up regularly, participating in conferences, and supporting initiatives like Norwegian-Ukrainian integration," Alex says. "When your company’s logo starts appearing at conferences and you partner with various local programs, you begin to be seen as part of the community. After several personal meetings, the recommendations start to come naturally".

Distinctions from the Ukrainian Market

One key difference lies in the approach to business transparency. In the Ukrainian market, companies often tend to withhold information about actual time and resource costs, trying to hide problems to speed up project launches. Norwegian partners, however, highly value absolute transparency.

"This approach doesn't work with Norwegians. If you say something works – it must work. There's no point in concealing problems. We realized this immediately and worked accordingly – if issues arose, we voiced them. If actual costs were lower than estimated, we honestly reported this".

Communication Specifics

A fascinating aspect of the Norwegian business environment is their approach to feedback. "You rarely receive direct negative feedback from Norwegians. Even if they discover a serious flaw, they'll react calmly. But at some point, cooperation will cease – and that's it. The partnership will be over," Alex shares. "When you ask for explanations, they'll say everything was fine but need something slightly different. And you'll have to guess the real reasons".

Success Stories and Cases

Case Study: Developing a Delivery System for an Oslo Pizzeria Chain

One of the company's standout achievements was developing a website and mobile application for a popular pizzeria chain in Oslo. This project became a turning point for Che IT Group's growth, as its success led partners to enthusiastically recommend the company to other Norwegian businesses.

The system posed significant technical challenges, such as implementing precise delivery calculations across city regions and dynamically assigning orders to the correct pizzeria based on customer addresses. The one-hour free delivery guarantee added another layer of complexity, demanding flawless order processing without delays.

We approached the project with unwavering dedication. "We studied best practices from major market leaders, aiming not just to meet technical specifications but to deliver a product capable of competing with the best," Alex explains. "Whenever we identified opportunities for improvement – even in areas like marketing or business processes – we proactively suggested them to the client."

The commitment went beyond the code. Our team personally tested the application on-site in Oslo, ensuring it performed seamlessly in real-world conditions and providing actionable feedback to developers. "Our goal wasn’t just to complete a project and collect a paycheck – we genuinely wanted to solve the client’s business challenges. We wanted to create an app we’d be excited to use ourselves when hungry," Alex shares.

Nettavisen Case: 8 Years of Digital Innovation

A special place among Che IT Group's projects is their long-term collaboration with Nettavisen – a leading Norwegian online newspaper. Since 2014, our team has developed three interconnected platforms: the Rabattkode discount portal, the Kredittkort financial comparison tool, and a cryptocurrency service platform.

"The biggest challenge was ensuring uninterrupted system operation during peak loads – for example, when over 100,000 users simultaneously search for the best discounts during Black Friday," the CEO explains. The results exceeded expectations – Rabattkode became one of Norway's most popular discount portals, while Kredittkort established itself as a trusted financial advisor for thousands of Norwegians.

The project's success highlights the strength of Ukrainian technical expertise in meeting the demands of leading Norwegian media companies. "We don’t just write code – we immerse ourselves in our clients’ business needs, crafting solutions that drive their growth and success," Alex concludes.

Development of Partnership Network

The success of the first significant project catalyzed the creation of a robust partnership network. A Norwegian partner, who met the team personally during a visit to Ukraine and witnessed their project dedication, began actively recommending Che IT Group within his business circle. "He understood that his recommendation would serve as a quality guarantee. He had no concerns about that," Alex recalls.

This commitment resulted in the successful implementation of over 50 projects with new partners – ranging from small websites to intricate systems for internet entrepreneurs across diverse industries. "We never turned away from a request, even outside of regular business hours," Alex shares. "If a client’s site went down and they were losing traffic, I’d leave the cinema in the middle of a movie to coordinate urgent fixes. It was this unwavering dedication that built trust – our partners knew they could rely on us at any time, no matter the circumstances".

Most importantly, these partnerships proved long-lasting. Clients who began working with the company in 2014-2015 continue their cooperation today, even after reorganizing their businesses or relocating to other countries. "This is the best evaluation of our work – when people return with new projects and recommend us to others".

Digital Transformation: Ukrainian Approach to Norwegian Needs

Digitalization Trends in Norway

"Norway stands out as a nation with a well-defined strategy for digitalization, backed by robust state support and numerous funds that empower businesses of all sizes," Alex explains. The country is undergoing a sweeping transition to online platforms across all areas of life – from public transport to government services.

"Every sector that engages with users now demands seamless integration with mobile devices or websites. The shift to online is pervasive," the CEO observes. "What’s remarkable is that Norway embraced this digital transformation well ahead of many others. Even in 2014-2015, when we were just starting, they were already a step ahead, setting trends that many markets would only follow years later".

Specifics of Technological Solutions

Working with Norwegian clients has consistently shown their eagerness to embrace cutting-edge technologies. "We began by developing mobile applications and adaptive website versions at a time when these were just emerging trends. Over the years, their requests evolved – shifting toward VR technologies and other groundbreaking innovations," Alex recalls.

One fascinating aspect of this collaboration is its ripple effect on the Ukrainian market. "Through our work with Norwegian clients, we uncovered niches they had already mastered and used that knowledge to create successful products for Ukraine. This exchange of expertise is more than just a byproduct – it’s a powerful advantage of international cooperation," Alex emphasizes.

Adaptation to Quality Requirements

Working with Norwegian clients demands a unique approach to quality assurance. "When you deliver a project, it must be completely ready. You can't ask the client to check if everything works – this must be guaranteed," Alex emphasizes.

The difference is particularly noticeable when working with different types of clients. "Corporate clients work strictly from 9 to 5, while entrepreneurs might need support anytime. We've adapted to both formats, but our working style particularly appeals to entrepreneurs who value our readiness to respond to requests even outside business hours".

Building Long-term Partnerships

Building Trust Remotely

"Any serious partnership starts with a handshake," Alex says. "But subsequent interaction often happens online, and it's crucial to maintain constant communication here". The company has developed clear principles for online communication:

• Proactive, regular updates
• Video calls instead of text messages for meaningful discussions
• Progress demonstrations and presentations
• Immediate response to issues and requests

"If a client ever has to ask us for an update, it means we’ve already fallen short as managers," Alex says. "Our role goes beyond just delivering results, it’s about creating an unwavering sense of trust. The client should always feel that their project is nurtured with the same care, attention, and dedication as if it were our child".

Cultural Understanding and Adaptation

"We've learned to work with different types of Norwegian partners," the CEO shares. "With traditional Norwegian companies, clear structure and adherence to working hours are important. With entrepreneurs, readiness for flexible schedules and quick changes is key".

A crucial success factor has been understanding the Norwegian approach to quality. "We had to revise our internal processes and standards. This even influenced our hiring approach – we seek specialists who meet Norwegian clients' high standards".

Future Outlook: Prospects for Norwegian-Ukrainian IT Partnership

New Collaboration Opportunities

"Norway has stood as a steadfast partner, supporting Ukraine even in the face of adversity," Alex reflects. "Despite the challenges, the Norwegian market remains open, offering opportunities for Ukrainian companies willing to embrace them".

Alex highlights the untapped potential for collaboration. "Norway is a country that values progress and innovation, with a strategic approach to utilizing its resources. Their interest in technological development creates immense investment opportunities. For Ukraine, this means a chance to position itself as a promising destination for Norwegian investments – especially as we look toward rebuilding and growth after the military conflict ends. This partnership isn't just about commerce, it's about shared visions and resilience," the CEO concludes.

Trends and Development Directions

The market constantly evolves, with the focus shifting between different sectors. "We've observed increased interest in fintech, agricultural technologies, and the seafood industry at various times. The Norwegian market is very dynamic, and it's important to monitor current trends," Alex explains.

Currently, the Norwegian government actively sponsors humanitarian and social projects in Ukraine, creating additional opportunities for cooperation. "Norway will be one of the first countries to invest actively in Ukraine after the war. That's why building and maintaining partnerships is important now".

Conclusions and Recommendations

Key Success Factors

Based on Che IT Group's experience, several critical factors for successful cooperation with Norwegian partners can be identified:

1. Personal meetings and active participation in the business community
2. Absolute transparency in communication and project management
3. Readiness to adapt to high-quality standards
4. Proactive approach to communication and problem-solving
5. Focus on long-term relationships rather than short-term projects

Advice for Ukrainian Companies

"Stepping into the Norwegian market may feel daunting, especially in these uncertain times," Alex acknowledges. "But don't let fear hold you back. Embrace the challenge through official channels and programs, where organizations like NUCC can become your trusted guide, opening doors to invaluable connections and a deeper understanding of the local business landscape".

Success in this market demands more than just ambition; it requires heart. "Strong partnerships are born in personal meetings, where trust takes its first breath. But to thrive, they need daily care – through consistent hard work, an unwavering commitment to quality, and the courage to go above and beyond for your clients".

"And above all," Alex emphasizes, "stay true to your values. Honesty, openness, and transparency are the cornerstones of lasting relationships with Norwegian companies. These principles aren't just strategies – they’re the heart of meaningful collaboration".