He brings five years of board experience to the position – and a clear vision of collaboration, visibility and recruitment power. Education in Bergen is a collaboration between educational institutions, student welfare organisations and public actors who work together to strengthen Bergen as a study city.
– First and foremost, this is an honourable position of trust. I come from one of the smaller institutions, so I am both humble and happy for the opportunity. I have been on the board for a few years and have seen how valuable the network is – not least during the pandemic, when the collaboration worked precisely because we knew each other and had confidence in each other. I also find that the administration works well and prepares the cases thoroughly, which makes it easier to take over as chairman.
Three priority areas
– We stand on a clear platform: to make Bergen a visible, attractive and inclusive study city. For me, that means three things:
- More interaction across institutions and public actors.
- Competence building and experience exchange – share what works, faster.
- Recruitment: Get motivated students to choose Bergen, and make it easier for them to stay in the region after graduation.
Why Education in Bergen is important
– We are a common meeting place and a coordinating hub. When we pull in the same direction, the effect is greater than individual projects. Other study cities also look to Bergen and are inspired by the way we work. That obliges us.
Student housing – a critical factor
– Access to student housing is crucial for recruitment. Here we must stand together with the Student Welfare Organisation, Bergen Municipality and the County Council to speed up the pace. That is precisely why I am pleased that the municipality and other social actors are represented on the board.
Close cooperation with the business community
– We must meet on concrete needs and solutions: everything from internships and case work to continuing education. The board can contribute by establishing meeting places and making opportunities visible across the board.
Sharing of knowledge and innovative solutions
– We want to establish sharing arenas where different actors can meet to share knowledge, exchange experiences and jointly develop expertise and innovative solutions. Through this, we will strengthen relations between members and ensure established communication channels.
The role of students
– Students must be involved where decisions are made. We are pleased that they are represented on the board through the Welfare Council. It gives us real insight into what works – and doesn't work – in everyday student life.
The vision ahead
– That we, together, develop an outstanding knowledge and study city. If we succeed with the collaboration, Bergen will be both the first choice for new students and a natural place to stay afterwards.
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Facts: Education in Bergen
- Established: 25 years of collaboration on student recruitment, study city and working life.
- Role: Strategic network for collaboration and competence building between educational institutions, municipality, county, students and business.
- Vision (Strategy 2023–2028): Together, develop an outstanding knowledge and study city.
- Members:
- University of Bergen
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
- Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)
- BI Norwegian Business School
- NLA University College
- VID Specialized University
- Kristiania
- Fagskulen Vestland
- The Student Welfare Organisation of Western Norway
- Bergen municipality
- Vestland County Council
