Svalbard, the State and Store Norske, 1916-1976

This article examines the relationship between the Norwegian state and the private Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani (Store Norske) from 1916 to 1976. It argues that Store Norske changed from being instrumental in shaping Norwegian policy towards Svalbard to becoming itself an instrument for state policy. The company played a crucial role in substantiating Norwegian sovereignty, maintaining a permanent Norwegian presence, and managing the development of Longyearbyen. In the 1920s, Store Norske became dependent on state loans and guarantees. In 1933, the state effectively took control over the company, but it remained a private enterprise. The deep and broad cooperation between the state and the company went far beyond the traditional company town model. In many instances, Store Norske acted as a proxy for the state. The author describes the relationship as a form of corporative organisation of public and private interests. As Norwegian ambitions for Svalbard grew in the 1970s, the company town model became obsolete, leading to the nationalisation of Store Norske in 1976.