Committee proposal Committee proposal: boost Nordic co-operation in research
The “Nordic University” member’s proposal has been put forward by the council’s Centre Group and recommends the development of a network of academic environments in the region to promote exchanges between different areas and improve the mobility of students and young researchers. The proposal was discussed at a meeting of the Committee for Knowledge and Culture in the Nordic Region in Höga Kusten, Sweden, between 25 and 27 June.
Research will gain increasing importance going forwards, not least because of climate change and digitalisation. For this reason, strong Nordic co-operation on research is vital
Digitalisation is changing behaviours
“Research will gain increasing importance going forwards, not least because of climate change and digitalisation. For this reason, strong Nordic co-operation on research is vital, even between smaller institutions,” says Johanna Karimäki, chair of the Committee for Knowledge and Culture in the Nordic Region. In addition Karimäki refers to the proposal for a pan-Nordic PhD programme for energy research, as mentioned in the Ollila report.
It’s useless to invest in slow networks or new computers if students would rather write their essays on their phones
During their meeting in Kramfors with Peyman Vahedi, Rector of the Ådalsskolan school, the members were told how upper secondary school lessons have been adapted to accommodate digitalisation. Vahedi explained the changes:
“The student’s workplace is increasingly governed by their phone. Hardware is virtual, and the mobile network provides a fast internet connection. It’s useless to invest in slow networks or new computers if students would rather write their essays on their phones.”
International position
It was agreed that although effective exchanges already exist, it is important for the region to work together more closely.
“We need to overcome some key obstacles to freedom of movement when it comes to studying or researching in another Nordic country. In this way, we can strengthen the region’s international position in a number of research areas,” says Jorodd Asphjell.
The Nordic Youth Council, which also attended the meeting, has specifically requested an information portal and pointed to the need to harmonise study support schemes and the recognition of degrees.
The committee decided to commission the Secretariat to draw up a report on the member’s proposal for a Nordic University to be debated again in September.
