Ended:
2018 to 2021 (extended to 2022, due to COVID-19 pandemic)
Funder:
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Nordland County
Partners:
Center for the Blue Economy, High North Center for Business and Governance (lead), Institute of the North & Wilson Center
Alaska and North Norway share similar characteristics, particularly regarding the regions’ economic dependence on maritime industries and their potential for blue economy development. However, no knowledge has been shared or even attained yet concerning the opportunities for both regions to mutually tackle the manifold challenges of regionally developing their blue economy. AlaskaNor aimed to addresses this knowledge gap. It was financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Arktis 2030 and Nordland’s Country innovasjon og næringsutvikling grant schemes.
Most recently, the focus on Arctic development has shifted towards the blue economy. In a nutshell, this entails utilising ocean-based resources to the benefit of local communities. Yet, in a preliminary Arktis 2030-project, which examined related development efforts in Alaska and North Norway, a basic problem was identified; namely the limited coordination of knowledge when it comes to challenges and opportunities that arise as the blue potential is explored. Obvious lessons of relevance concerning resource utilisation and local adaptation are not shared between the various Arctic regions.
Hence, AlaskaNor’s key objective was to improve knowledge concerning the blue economy in Alaska and North Norway and in turn enhancing related knowledge among relevant stakeholders and amongst decisions-makers. AlaskaNor was led by the High North Center for Business and Governance at Nord University under the direction of project leader – and TAI Senior Fellow and Leadership Group member – Andreas Raspotnik.