Nord University Business School Signs Agreement With the Korean Maritime Institute

Arctic Partnership Week is Korea's main Arctic forum. The country has hosted it yearly since 2016 as an Arctic Council observer state. The latest edition was held in December and marked the 10th anniversary.

Andreas Raspotnik, director at the High North Center for Business and Governance at Nord University Business School, joined the program at the invitation of the Korean Maritime Institute, KMI.

– There is clear interest in Nordic experience on Arctic policy and sustainable development, says Raspotnik.

This became evident as Nord University Business School and KMI signed a cooperation agreement during the week. The agreement was signed by dean Gry Agnete Alsos on behalf of Nord University Business School.

– We look forward to cooperating with KMI on developing the knowledge on the high north. The Korean interest in the Arctic bring new perspectives and insights to our work, Alsos shares.

– KMI represents an interesting partner for learning more about the Asian views.

Dean Gry Agnete Alsos is pleased with the new collaboration. *Photo by Inger Ellen Eftevand Orvin*.

Seminars on Blue Economy and Policy

Raspotnik also gave presentations during his stay in South Korea.

At the Korea–Arctic Blue Economy Cooperation Seminar, he talked about cooperation between Korea and the Nordic countries. Hydrogen and energy transition were key topics.

At the KoNAC & Expert Seminar, he discussed the EU's role in Arctic policy. Korean experts working with Arctic Council groups took part in the discussions.

– The Arctic is discussed far beyond the Arctic region. Dialogue with partners in Asia matters, he says.

Andreas Raspotnik in Korea. — Andreas Raspotnik speaks at the Korea–Arctic Blue Economy Cooperation Seminar. On stage: Lasse Honoré, Managing Director at Danish Industry Korea (left) and Juhyun Kim, Director of Marine Economy Research Division at the Korean Maritime Institute (right). *Credit: Korea Maritime Institute (KMI).*

Met With Young Researchers

The program also included an Arctic Youth Session. Raspotnik met young researchers and students. They discussed future research and cooperation on Arctic issues.

– Arctic issues engage everyone, from policymakers to kindergarten students asking if polar bears eat humans, says Raspotnik.

Kjell Stokvik and Bjørn Gunnarsson from the Center for High North Logistics also attended. They presented work on Arctic logistics and infrastructure.

– The visit helped strengthen dialogue between Korean and Nordic partners working on Arctic research and policy, concludes Raspotnik.