Nordic winter twilight

Welcome to the 2025 UIIN Nordic Forum

Stronger Together – Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

Agenda

Day 1 | 5 March

Forum registration and light lunch

11:30 - 12:30

Forum Opening UIIN & UiO

12:30 - 13:00

Welcome address and introduction to the forum.

  • Hilde Nebb, Innovation Director of UiO Growth House
  • Sarah Jaber, Director at UIIN

Keynote Presentation - Policies and Strategies for University-Industry Collaboration

13:00 - 13:30

Keynote presentation by Tomas Coates Ulrichsen, Director of the Policy Evidence Unit for University Commercialisation and Innovation at the University of Cambridge.

Panel Discussion: Institutional strategies and approaches to university-industry collaboration

13:45 - 15:00

This discussion will explore how universities can develop and implement strategic approaches to university-industry collaboration. Panelists will share insights on organisational structures, operational frameworks, and policies that drive successful and sustainable partnerships.

  • Anne Kjersti Fahlvik, Executive Director, Innovation in Industry and the Public Sector, Research Council of Norway
  • Pål Orten, Senior research manager, Kongsberg Maritime
  • Per Morten Sandset - Vice-rector, University of Oslo
  • Federica Rosetta, Vice President Academic Relations and Public Affairs, Elsevier

Afternoon tea

15:00 - 15:30

Strategic Approaches to Partnering | Workshop

15:30 - 17:00

This workshop explores the characteristics and criteria that make partnerships successful. It focuses on identifying what constitutes an 'ideal partnership' and how to cultivate such relationships. In this workshop participants will identify key challenges in university-industry collaboration, and how to create partnerships that achieve meaningful outcomes, and remain relevant and adaptable.
Facilitated by:

  • Arno Meerman, CEO at UIIN
  • Sarah Jaber, Director at UIIN

Networking dinner

18:30

Connect with peers in a relaxed, informal setting over drinks and light bites. A great opportunity to reflect on the day, build relationships, and expand your network.
Address:
Professorboligen, Universitetet i Oslo
Karl Johans gate 47
0162 Oslo
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Day 2 | 6 March

Driving cultural change | Panel Discussion

9:30 – 10:45

How can universities embed engagement into their institutional culture and ensure it drives real impact? This panel discussion will explore strategies for fostering a culture of collaboration by aligning incentives, motivations, and career progression with external engagement. Experts will share insights on driving cultural change, tracking the impact of engagement activities, and creating a more inclusive and dynamic environment that benefits both academia and industry.

  • Carl Christian Thodesen – Vice President for Social Impact, OsloMet University
  • Charlotte Emlind Vahul – Senior Advisor to the Vice President for Utilisation, Chalmers University of Technology
  • Tomas Coates Ulrichsen - Director, Policy Evidence Unit for University Commercialisation and Innovation, University of Cambridge
  • Tuula Teeri – Former President, Aalto University & Former President, Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences

Tackling key challenges in university-industry collaboration in the Nordic Region | Roundtable Discussions

11:00 – 12:00

Join dynamic, facilitated roundtable discussions exploring the biggest challenges and barriers to effective university-industry collaboration in the Nordic region. Engage with peers to share experiences, uncover practical solutions, and discuss strategies for driving more impactful partnerships.

Lunch

12:00 – 13:00

Innovative Partnership Approaches | Good Practice Case Studies

13:00 – 14:30

This session will showcase real-world initiatives from local and regional institutions, highlighting innovative approaches to university-industry collaboration. Speakers will share key learnings, challenges, and impact, providing insights that others can adapt to their own contexts. The short presentations will be followed by an interactive discussion, allowing participants to explore good practice cases, exchange experiences, and gain inspiration for strengthening their own partnerships.

  • Kirsten Jensen – Head of Enterprise and Collaboration, Aarhus University
  • Alison Sundset – CEO, Holocare
  • Johan Blaus – Senior Advisor Collaboration and Partnerships, KTH
  • Outi Toijola – Head of Corporate Relations, Aalto University
  • Pål Hasvold - Medical Evidence Director, AstraZeneca NoBa

Vision & Roadmap for the future

14:30 – 15:30

In this session, we’ll reflect on key insights from the forum and collaboratively shape a strategic vision for the future of university-industry collaboration. Participants will identify priorities, share takeaways, and outline actionable steps to drive meaningful change.

Reflection & closing

15:30 – 16:00

Final reflections on the Forum and closing remarks.

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