NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and technology (NTNU)
Harald Jan Skarstein, Senior Adviser, Vice Rectors Office, NTNU in Ålesund
The big perspective was that NTNU should follow all national regulation. During the COVID-period. My role and perspective was to act as a contact between the different departments at the university, In addition the local coordinator on behalf of the vice rector and her team.
There was a strong cooperation internally at NTNU, but also with the Local, regional and national authorities. Especially at the local regional level, Ålesund municipality , meeting were held on a regular basis.
Lessons learned during the pandemic, was also used to build new procedures for collaboration in difficult periods, thereby these regular meetings also were beneficial fo future new solutions, - important and value for future
CSR can apply on several system levels, such as human rights and child labor in global value-chains, responsibility for the environment throughout products whole life course, and facilitation within regions, municipalities and work-places.
My role and perspective were a to take a responsibility for NTNUs social responsibility both internally for all students and employees during the pandemic situation, in addition to the follow-up activities
The cooperation internally at NTNU resulted in defining a Central group regarding preparedness and crisis management for the campus in Ålesund, but silo for the campuses in Trondheim and Gjøvik. The faculties organized their Weekly meetings, and all decisions were made in line with national directions.
Some central points regarding communication needed to be local adjusted
NTNUs role; «flagship» in the region, that means taking a central role through
Cooperation with local, regional and national authorities, Meetings with mayor, administrative management, crisis management leader and the municipal chief medical officer. This was done In general, but also quite important when decisions were needed based on the local conditions. The
regional authorities (Møre and Romsdal county) were participating in some meetings on a regular basis.
NTNUs experiences from this frequent meetings with the Ålesund Municipality, were rooted in very Good cooperation. One outcome was a signed agreement that NTNU is now member in the local preparedness and crisis group. This is of great value for future pandemics and crisis, and NTNU has been taken into consideration regarding hearings and decisions since student from all over the country is gathered here, NTNU is also the largest university in Norway, and thereby an important international partner.
The main Lessons learned and value for future can be listed as Communication, communication , communications.- Further to be prepared, do not count on others when critical situations appear. Take the lead on your own processes, follow the national guidelines and keep a further focus in the future. Further develop our preparedness and crisis management.
Collaboration through networking si alos of great importance, and examples of NTNUs local partner networks are
- AFINO (Research Centre) is a network and learning center for responsible research and innovation in Norway. Our aim is to develop new skills and methods to ensure that innovation is responsible, sustainable and just. Further focus in supporting our regional enterprises (small and medium-sized)
- ÅRIM, project in working together for household recycling and waste reduction
- NAV, (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) further working together in the project supporting NAV to give their clients and employees the right education and competence meeting the needs in the society
