Taking place in conjunction with the High North Dialogue, Side Events are an integral part of the conference. These are events that will be organised outside of the main conference program.
Wednesday March 26
08.00 – 09.00: Sustainable Tourism for Regional Development in the High North: How Can We Tackle Seasonality?
Radisson Blu (Storsalen)
Organized by: The Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannis)
Contact person: Yati Yati (yati.yati@nord.no)
Language: English
Moderator: Yati Yati, PhD (High North Center at Nord University Business School)
The tourism industry generates 1 in 10 jobs globally, making it a significant driver of regional development, including in the High North. However, despite its unique and attractive natural environment, the region faces the challenge of population decline. Seasonality is a key issue for tourism in the High North, leading to overcrowding, pressure on local infrastructure, environmental strain, and negative impacts on residents’ quality of life. For example, in Tromsø, winter is the peak season, while in Lofoten, summer attracts the most visitors. This imbalance creates difficulties in retaining a stable workforce, particularly in small, micro-sized businesses, and drives up accommodation costs during peak times. Furthermore, it may undermine the High North’s appeal as a destination for young people to live, work, and study.
The panel will explore:
- What are the key challenges, and is seasonality truly a problem?
- What innovative solutions can address these issues?
- How can universities, governments, and local communities collaborate to mitigate seasonality’s impacts?
- How can local residents be actively involved and benefit from more balanced tourism?
- How can the tourism industry in the High North create attractive jobs for young people?
08.00-09.00: Driving forces of sustainable change in the arctic- procurement
Radisson Blu (Møterom 3)
Organized by: Bodø Municipality
Contact person: Christian Miguel Jurado Meza (christian.miguel.jurado.meza@bodo.kommune.no)
Language: English
On January 1, 2024, Norway implemented a groundbreaking regulation that mandates a minimum 30% weighting for climate and environmental considerations in public procurements. This move is set to revolutionize the way we approach sustainability in the Arctic and beyond!
Join us for an inspiring discussion where we’ll explore the practical implications of sustainable procurement for public organizations, the private sector and society.
We’ll delve into the challenges and opportunities of sourcing sustainable and environmentally friendly products and services in the Arctic region. Are they cheaper? Are they effective? Are they available?
We’re thrilled to welcome guests from:
- Bodø Municipality
- The Norwegian Agency for Public and Financial Management (DFØ)
- The Supplier Development Program (LUP)
- Bodø’s region development company(BRUS)
- Salmon farming – Nordlaks
- Sharing technologies – Reddel (TBC).
Together, we’ll uncover how green procurement can promote the creation of better, more sustainable products and services for generations to come.
08.00-09.00: Navigating Uncertainty: How Security Policy Impacts the Blue Economy in the High North (by invitation)
Radisson Blu (Møterom 4)
Organized by: The Centre for the Ocean and the Arctic, www.havarktis.no
Contact person: Sigri Stokke Nilsen (Sigri.a.nilsen@uit.no)
Language: English
This side event sets out to explore the impacts of security developments in the High North and Arctic on ocean-based businesses. This discussion will bring together key stakeholders from business, government, and academia to examine how evolving geopolitical tensions are reshaping the operational environment for industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, energy, tourism and shipping.
The discussion will take its starting point from the National Threat Assessment 2025, set to be published in February 2025, providing a critical and up-to-date backdrop for understanding the implications of security challenges on ocean-based industries.
Held under Chatham House Rules, the session will seek to:
- Map the current and anticipated challenges faced by ocean-based businesses.
- Explore whether businesses and stakeholders share a unified perception of these challenges.
- Identify potential strategies to enhance industry resilience and competitiveness.
- This roundtable will be laying the foundation for possible follow-up roundtables at other meeting places in 2025, as well as a policy brief.
Format:
This session will follow a roundtable discussion format with participation limited to invited stakeholders to ensure an open and focused dialogue. After introductory remarks from the moderator, participants will engage in a structured conversation guided by key questions and insights from the National Threat Assessment 2025. The participants will be invited to share unique insights from their sectors or institutions.
The session will result in a summary of key insights to be shared with the participants after the event.
09.30-10.30: ArcGov
Radisson Blue (Møterom 4)
Organized by: High North Center, Nord University (ArcGov project)
Contact person: Ahad Hadian (ahad.hadian@nord.no)
Language: English
More info. coming soon.
09.30 – 10.30: Unlocking Arctic Potential: Business and Investment Insights
Radisson Blu (Storsalen)
Organized by: Arctic Frontiers
Contact person: Morten Høylo (morten@arcticfrontiers.com)
Language: English
Moderator: Anu Fredrikson, Executive Director at Arctic Frontiers
This session will delve into the key outcomes of the recent roundtable at the Arctic Frontiers 2025 on the Green Transition, with a focus on business development and investment opportunities.
Proposed topics for round-table discussion at the side-event:
- Attracting Investment to the Arctic
Strategies to secure stable funding for green transition projects.
Balancing local and non-Arctic investment opportunities.
- Fostering Business Growth
Challenges and opportunities for scaling Arctic-based businesses.
Lessons learned from successful initiatives in the region.
- Addressing Workforce Needs
Recruitment strategies: Local institutions vs. international talent.
Building capacity among young Arctic residents.
- Aligning Education with Industry Needs
Strengthening collaboration between educational institutions and businesses.
Developing tailored programs for the green transition.
- Promoting Sustainable Development
Exploring best practices for balancing economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Identifying successful models to replicate across the Northern Nordics.
09.30 – 10.30: Business in the North: Barriers on the road to growth
Radisson Blu (Møterom 3)
Organized by: Nordland County Council/The North Norway European Office (NNEO)/Tromsø County Council
Contact person: Zdenek Dvorak, Nordland County Council (zdedvo@nfk.no)
Language: English
The Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA) of Finland, Norway and Sweden are becoming increasingly important for Europe’s geopolitical and economic interests. With their unique geography – characterized by low population density and challenging climate conditions – these regions face complex challenges, including an aging population, long distances from major markets, limited connectivity, and high transport costs.
The OECD report “Building Resilience to Global Transitions in the EU Northern Sparsely Populated Areas” presents strategic policy recommendations to enhance prosperity and well-being in the NSPA at international, national, and regional levels. It highlights the need for stronger cross-border cooperation, multi-level governance, and increased innovation and capacity building. Key priorities include improving east-west transport corridors, reducing barriers to economic growth, such as limited access to finance, labor and connectivity.
This event will bring together regional business representatives and stakeholders to explore the OECD’s findings and discuss mechanisms needed to leverage economic opportunities in the NSPA.
17.00-18.00: Arctic Six in a new geopolitical reality: Security, transport and social development in the North
Radisson Blu (Møterom 3)
Organized by: Nord University/Arctic Six Alliance
Contact person: Tina Bringslimark (tina.bringslimark@nord.no)
Language: English
More info. coming soon.
17.30-18.30: Arctic Ambitions: Young Entrepreneurs Shaping the Nordic Region
Radisson Blu (Møterom 4)
Organized by: Team Nordic Arctic (ProTromsø, Business Oulu and Umeå kommun)
Contact person: Julie-Helene D. Sørensen, (julie@protromso.com)
Language: English
Team Nordic Arctic is a cross-border project between Northen Norway, Northern Sweden and Northern Finland led by ProTromsø, Umeå kommun and Business Oulu, with the main aim to strenghten the business collaboration between the three countries. During the first project year, Team Nordic Arctic have created various meeting places and arenas for B2B matchmaking and networking events in the North Nordics. Today we will get the opportunity to meet and hear from several of the entrepreneurs who will share their experiences with east-west collaborations in the north. We will ask the questions of what does it take to succeed with as a young entrepreneur in the Arctic, what are the benefits of creating your own company in the north, and what can we as support mechanisms contribute to their national and international success?
Program
16.45 Doors open
17.00 Welcome by Team Nordic Arctic
Project managers Julie-Helene D. Sørensen, ProTromsø and Maja Terning, BusinessOulu
17.10 Business stories
Ida Rørvik, general manager Tromsø Sentrum Association (TBC)
Eeva Lähetkangas, business owner Munpiiri
Hedda Crogh, Arctic Ignite, Norinnova (TBC)
Thomas Berntzen, manager and owner Locat3d (TBC)
Alexander Espeseth, manager Lugn Games
Thursday March 27
16.00 – 17.00: Doing Business: The Arctic (Dis)Advantages
Radisson Blu (Storsalen)
Organized by: Division of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Nord University Business School
Contact person: Filip Lestan (Filip.Lestan@nord.no)
Language: English
The discussion will convene consulting partners and business leaders to explore themes such as economic opportunities, operational challenges, infrastructure development, and strategies for sustainable growth in the High North.
The side-event aims to deliver meaningful dialogue on the unique opportunities and challenges of the High North region, actionable insights and foster strategic dialogue.
Moderator: Filip Lestan (PhD Research Fellow, Nord University).
Invited Panellists:
- Ms. Kirsti Helene Rodfjell Meidelsen (Partner KPMG).
- Mr. Aleksander Mevatne (Partner BDO).
- Mr. Kjell Giaever (Partner Arctic Energy Partners).
- Mr. Jonas Dahlberg (Consultant Ernst Young).
- MSc student from Innovation Management course.
16.00 – 17.00: International cooperations to strengheten the Arctic
Radisson Blu (Møterom 3)
Organized by: Bodø Region Utviklingsselskap (BRUS, www.bodoregion.no)
Contact person: Aina Elise Fagereng (aina@brus.bodo.no)
Language: English
More info coming soon.
16.00 – 17.00: Who is the Arctic future for? A foresight roundtable to explore agency, strategy, and stakeholders in building the future of Arctic communities
Radisson Blu (Møterom 4)
Organized by: The New Global Order (TNGO)
Contact person: William Nygaard (wnygaard@thenewglobalorder.com), Claire Bracco (cbracco@thenewglobalorder.com)
Moderator: William Nygaard / Claire Bracco, Arctic Affairs Department – Europe and High North Bureau, TNGO
Language: English
The Arctic is currently in vogue. Whether one asks a boardroom executive, a legislator or a scientist the answer is always the same: the Arctic is a place ripe for the future. But whose future exactly?
As the region’s conditions change at a rapid pace, its sparse and vulnerable demographic makeup is increasingly impacted by outmigration and simultaneously faces unprecedented exposures to a diverse array of interests. Inhabiting a place with centuries-old concerns of resource scarcity, its communities are now witnessing a narrative of resource wealth reach their doorsteps. However, when local leaders in the Arctic are asked about the impacts of changing weather, rising sea levels, or new economic opportunities, their concerns extend beyond risks to property and infrastructure. For many Arctic communities, maintaining their identity while navigating a rapidly evolving landscape is an ongoing challenge.
Migration, when effectively managed, has the potential to address these challenges and become a driver of innovation, cultural exchange, and economic revitalization. With rising demand for human capital, and with more and more setting their sights on the Arctic’s projected economic incentives, the event seeks to explore – through the lens of foresight – modalities through which we ensure that the local knowledge base of millennia-old sustainable practices are not only retained – but leveraged.
The side event brings in a panel of experts and voices from youth councils, government, NGOs, and private sector in an engaging conversation with the public to explore the questions of what strategies can integrate migrants into small Arctic communities, what policies and partnerships are needed to maximize the benefits of migration while ensuring sustainability, and how can we mitigate the risks associated with migration, such as cultural erosion, waning intergenerational knowledge retention and community displacement.
16.00-19.00: Entrepreneurship and Sustainability in the High North: The 15-Minute City (by registration only)
Stormen Laibrary (Literature hall, 1 floor), Storgata 1a
Organized by: High North Center, Nord University (YoungArctic project)
Contact person: Yati Yati (yati.yati@nord.no)
Language: English
Cost: Free
Who can participate:
Open to all, but especially young individuals (ages 18-40) passionate about shaping a sustainable future for the Arctic. This includes young entrepreneurs, professionals, students, researchers, architects, scientists, and anyone eager to make a positive impact.
Format and registration details:
- The workshop is team-based event. All registered participants will be placed by organisers as member of one of the teams.
- Registration to the workshop is required (registration link)
- The workshop is limited to 40 participants
- Register by: 14th March 2025
- Cancel by: 21st March 2025
Description:
The workshop is open to all, but especially young individuals (ages 18-40) passionate about shaping a sustainable future for the Arctic. This includes young entrepreneurs, professionals, students, researchers, architects, scientists, and anyone eager to make a positive impact.
Join us for an exciting and thought-provoking workshop presented by the YoungArctic project in collaboration with the EduSmart project, where we will explore the question: How can we create vibrant sustainable urban spaces for young Arctic entrepreneurs?
The goal of this workshop is to inspire and empower young people to drive sustainable change in the Arctic by addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in the region. Through collaborative discussions, participants will have the chance to share innovative ideas and explore practical solutions that could help shape the Arctic’s future.
The workshop will be expertly led by Cem S. Kayatekin, Assistant Professor at IE University in Segovia, Spain. Additionally, Evgenii Aleksandrov, Associate professor at Nord University Business School will deliver a short pitch on the role of technology in Arctic city sustainability.
This is a unique opportunity to engage with experts and like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights. Participants will be divided into groups to develop solutions that address the question above. Beyond just a learning experience, this workshop also offers a platform for networking, connecting with fellow participants, and sharing your vision for the Arctic’s future.
At the end of the session, we’ll offer a delicious dinner to continue conversations in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Format and registration details:
- The workshop is a team-based event, and all registered participants will be assigned to one of the teams by the organizers.
- Registration for the workshop is required. Register here: https://nettskjema.no/a/495797
- The workshop is limited to 40 participants
- Register by: 14th March 2025
- Cancel by: 21st March 2025
- Questions? Contact: Yati Yati (yati.yati@nord.no)
Bios:
- Cem S. Kayatekin holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University, a Master of Architecture from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Oregon, completed under the tutelage of Prof. Howard Davis. He is currently an Assistant Professor at IE University in Segovia, Spain. He is also co-founder of Blue Dot Studio, an architecture office based in Sri Lanka. His teaching and research interests are focused around how urban form, blue-green-grey infrastructure, housing, fifteen-minute city models, and energy/carbon transitions can play a role in achieving more productive urban/suburban/rural settlement structures.
- Evgenii Aleksandrov is an Associate Professor at the High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School in Bodø, Norway. He is also a project manager of the international research project “EduSmart: Education and Knowledge Development for Smart City Governance and Performance Management in the High North”. His teaching and research interests include city management and organizing, citizens’ involvement, Smart Cities governance, the role of ICT and technology for Arctic urban sustainability.
Juries:
- Rune Eiterjord (Advisor for Transport and Mobility – Bodø Municipality)
- Tor Gausemel Kristensen (Head of Development and Sustainability – Iris Salten)
- Iselin Kristine Mauseth Steira (Associate Professor, Co-director of Engage, Centre for Engaged Education through Entrepreneurship – Nord University)
17.30-18.30: Norwegian American Cooperation in the Arctic – Implications and Opportunities
Radisson Blu (Møterom 4)
Organized by: Norwegian Space Cluster
Contact person: Charlotte Alme (cla@kpb.no)
Language: English
Norway and the U.S. are deepening Arctic cooperation in technology, security, and space. The Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA), signed on Jan 16, 2025, enables sharing sensitive technologies, boosting security and strategic ties, where U.S. companies now can launch from Norway. Furthermore, the Satellite Arctic Broadband Mission, involving Space Norway, the Norwegian Armed Forces, the U.S. DoD, and ESA, aims to enhance broadband for military and civilian use. The growing partnerships signal a future of integrated defense and space capabilities.
The collaboration’s broader contours hint at a future of integrated defense and space capabilities.
17.30-18.30: Arctic Ambitions: Young Entrepreneurs Shaping the Nordic Region
Radisson Blu (Møterom 4)
Organized by: Team Nordic Arctic (ProTromsø, Business Oulu and Umeå kommun)
Contact person: Julie-Helene D. Sørensen, (julie@protromso.com)
Language: English
Team Nordic Arctic is a cross-border project between Northen Norway, Northern Sweden and Northern Finland led by ProTromsø, Umeå kommun and Business Oulu, with the main aim to strenghten the business collaboration between the three countries. During the first project year, Team Nordic Arctic have created various meeting places and arenas for B2B matchmaking and networking events in the North Nordics. Today we will get the opportunity to meet and hear from several of the entrepreneurs who will share their experiences with east-west collaborations in the north. We will ask the questions of what does it take to succeed with as a young entrepreneur in the Arctic, what are the benefits of creating your own company in the north, and what can we as support mechanisms contribute to their national and international success?
Invited Speakers:
- Thomas Berntzen, manager and owner Locat3d
- Alexander Espeseth, manager Lugn Games
- Zebib Bredesen, manager and owner Zebib Consulting
- Swedish business case
- Finnish business case
- Hedda Crogh, Arctic Ignite, Norinnova
17.30-18.30: Circular Economy for a Sustainable Arctic: Sharing experiences and contrasting opinions
Radisson Blu (Møterom 3)
Organized by: Nord University
Contact person: Amsale Kassahun Temesgen (amsale.k.temesgen@nord.no)
Language: English
The high north area is experiencing climate change that is three times the global annual average. Melting permafrost and glaciers are influencing conditions in lakes, rivers and the oceans. The High North is further highly dependent on natural resources and these changes thus do not only influence the viability and cultures of communities but also the industries and economic future of the region. Circular Economy (CE) is increasingly seen as a tool for sustainable development and transformation of the economy that needs a broad coalition of actors at all levels, individuals, industries and policy makers. Discussions across areas and industries and sharing of knowledge and experience is a key factor in this development. This is especially important in the high north with low population density, lack of bigger cities to provide agglomeration effects and with both education and innovation under national levels. The purpose of the event is thus to bring together actors across the high north, including representatives of core industries, e.g. within fishing, and waste management, policy makers and researchers to discuss opportunities and challenges in the implementation of CE in local context and how to move forward towards a sustainable future. The aim is to contribute to the ongoing discussion of how to minimise waste through fully utilising resources throughout supply chains and developing the opportunities for renewable energy development.
Moderator: (tbc)
Expert panel (invited speakers):
- Cathrine Barth, Head of Circular Economy in the strategy agency Natural State and part time Assistant Professor at School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- Tor Gausemel Kristensen, Head of Development & Sustainability, Iris Salten IKS (and project manager for several circular innovation projects, including also upcoming Interreg project BEHAV-E)
- Carsten Rimer, COO Artic Seafarm, Nesna
- Thor Sigfusson, CEO Icelandic Sea Cluster
The session is in collaboration with the projects Arctic Circles, INDIGO and IPR4SC.
17.30 – 18.30: Advancing Arctic Emergency Preparedness: Insights from the Center for Crisis Management and Collaboration
Radisson Blu (Storsalen)
Organized by: Center for Crisis Management and Collaboration – Nordlab
Contact person: Natalia Andreassen (natalia.andreassen@nord.no)
Language: English
The Center for Crisis Management and Collaboration – Nordlab, a center for research, education, and competence development within the fields of emergency preparedness and collaboration in the High North, is pleased to host a side-event focused on Arctic emergency preparedness, prevention, and response research. This event will provide a platform to discuss the latest developments in ongoing research projects, highlight recent publications, and explore opportunities for future studies and research.
The Arctic region presents unique challenges for emergency preparedness and response due to its harsh environmental conditions and strategic importance. The Center’s research aims to address these challenges through a practice-based approach, ensuring that findings are directly applicable to real-world scenarios. Key topics to be covered include updates on ongoing research projects within Arctic maritime preparedness, radiological search and rescue preparedness, wildland fires, health preparedness, and community preparedness in the Arctic. This side-event aims to foster discussions where researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders can share knowledge, exchange ideas, and build partnerships to advance the field of Arctic emergency preparedness and response.
Moderator: (tbc)
Invited Speakers:
- Natalia Andreassen, Professor, Nord University Business School
- Rune Elvegård, Senior Advisor, Nord University Business School
- Emelie Johansen, Advisor, Nord University Business School
- Hanne Austerheim, Advisor, Nord University Business School
- James Badu, PhD student, Nord University Business School
- Emmi Ikonen, PhD student, Nord University Business School