“A strong relationship between the industry and the university sector is at the very heart of building a viable region. We have enjoyed a close connection with the University of Agder for many years, and we are delighted to formalize an agreement which will contribute to improved value-creation in Agder,” says Tom Fidjeland, CEO of GCE NODE.
The agreement covers cooperation both on strategic and operational levels, and also includes shared resources and the involvement of students.
“A cooperation with the University of Agder is important in numerous ways, but education of skilled personnel with relevant industry competence is the top priority. By working closely with the various faculties and departments, we ensure that the university provides skill sets and competence that is useful for the industry sector,” says Fidjeland.
An agreement with the supplier industry in Agder, plays well with the vision of the University of Agder, which is Co-creation of knowledge.
“We aim to identify strategic efforts and priorities in areas in which we have common interests. This includes the development and implementation of joint RD&I projects and other efforts to increase research-based innovation,” says Fidjeland.
“We will of course still offer internships and student projects, and the continuation of an arrangement in which key personnel in the industry can work part-time at the university – and the other way around,” says Fidjeland.
The agreement also regulates PhDs and post doc positions, and the development of continued learning programs with relevance for the GCE NODE cluster’s companies, and marketing and communication of such programs.
Vice Rector for External Relations and Innovation at the University of Agder, Gøril Hannås, is the designated point-of-contact for the relationship between the university and GCE NODE.
