The University College of South-East Norway Social Affiliation 2017-2021 A
Ringerike Rauland Kongsber g, Notodden Drammen Bø Vestfold Porsgrunn B
The USN's strategy for regional affiliation The Norwegian government's ambition that Norway will be one of the most innovative countries in Europe is ambitious and inspiring. Norway's universities and colleges play a decisive role in our ability to realise this ambition and further develop our knowledge society. The University College of Southeast Norway (USN)'s contribution is rooted in strategic, extensive knowledge collaboration with regional players in society and employers. The University College of Southeast Norway (USN) aims to be a modern, regionally based, internationally competitive university that stands out as a key knowledge provider and driver of sustainable growth and development by interacting closely with society and businesses. With eight campuses in three counties, the USN engages in close dialogue with the authorities at local and regional levels. At the same time the USN shall seize the opportunities offered by regional industry and society for creating relevant and academically sound development of the College's portfolio of courses and research and development work. This synergy will give the region access to new knowledge that is internationally competitive. The USN's entrepreneurial traditions shall also be further developed through collaboration between the community and the College. All students and employees will be involved in different ways and shall be regarded as potential resources for society and businesses in the region. The USN shall be perceived as an accessible, relevant, dynamic and regionally based partner. 3
Goal 1 The USN shall be an active, attractive partner in order to increase the overall knowledge, competitiveness and attractiveness of the region MEASURES: Establish digital and organisational solutions at each campus to make it easy for local society and businesses to establish contact with the USN. Commit to taking part in selected regional partnerships and networks. Be a resource in the regional authorities' planning and development work and collaborate closely with other public sector agencies. Establish a council for collaboration with industry. Actively promote bilateral collaboration and regional cluster collaboration in all three social sectors. Identify regional societal challenges that the USN, together with other public and private partners, can take the initiative to address. 4
Goal 2 Collaboration between own research groups and relevant employers in the region shall be strengthened and expanded MEASURES: Use the USN Partnership development project as a strategic tool for developing new models for collaboration with the private business sector. Use the USN Profession development project as a strategic tool for developing new models for collaboration with the public sector and strengthen the research-based knowledge base and relevance of the profession-oriented study programmes. Help partners in the region to make use of international programmes to help resolve regional and global societal challenges. The USN will work systematically with regional businesses to win competitions for setting up centres under programmes run by the Research Council of Norway and Innovation Norway and to be successful in respect of EU research programmes. 5
Goal 3 The USN shall strengthen cooperation between students and regional businesses. MEASURES: Aim to provide work experience in several educational pathways, including those of the USN s international students. Encourage greater collaboration between students as a significant innovative resource and the unresolved challenges of working life. Work to ensure that as many students as possible participate actively in research and development work during their studies. Improve knowledge about the employment market by mapping the potential of stronger links with businesses, e.g. career services, regional trainee programmes and alumni functions. 6
Goal 4 The USN will be a driver for sustainable regional innovation MEASURES: Have a clear innovation profile founded on close, committed collaboration with local employers and other external partners. Integrate innovative thinking and entrepreneurship as key elements in all disciplines and programmes of study. Develop strategic cooperation with incubators and business development companies in our region in order to contribute to commercialisation and increased business activities. The USN will further develop the international dimension of its work on regional innovation and entrepreneurship. 7