Arendalsuka 2026: Research as Defence and the Importance of Research for Municipalities
Among the nearly 2,300 sessions at this year's Arendalsuka, NGI's two events attracted strong audiences. Discussions highlighted the importance of research for Norway's total defence capability and for building better public services, smarter transitions, and more resilient municipalities.
Caption: From left: Marte Gerhardsen (Labour Party, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence), Linn Winsnes Thrane (Vice President, Kongsberg Technology), Erna Solberg (Conservative Party, Member of Parliament and member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence), Lars Andresen (CEO of NGI), and Camilla Stoltenberg (CEO of NORCE) ( Helene Moe Slinning)
Watch recordings from both events and see more photos at the end of the article.
NGI's events were part of Campus Ullevål Day, marking that the facilities where NGI established its headquarters in June this year bring together several leading research and knowledge environments within climate, energy, environment, societal security, and infrastructure.
“Arendalsuka is an important meeting place for highlighting politically important societal issues and showcasing the role of research institutes in solving critical societal challenges. Here we can demonstrate NGI and how research provides the foundation for knowledge-based societal development. It was particularly encouraging that this year we were able to highlight the importance of collaboration and Campus Ullevål as an arena for knowledge sharing and new solutions,” says Lars Andresen, Managing Director of NGI.
NGI and NORCE: Research as Defence: What Role Does Knowledge Play in Norwegian Security and Total Defence?
EXPERT PRESENTAIONS
- From Natural Hazards to National Security: How Risk Assessments Strengthen Critical Infrastructure by Arnkjell Løkke, Head of Department, Dam Safety and Hydrodynamics, NGI
- Satellites, Drones and Data: Civilian Technology in Norway's Total Defence Capability by Rune Storvold, NORCE
PANEL
- Marte Gerhardsen, Labour Party (Ap), State Secretary, Ministry of Defence
- Erna Solberg, Conservative Party (H), Member of Parliament and Member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence
- Linn Winsnes Thrane, Vice President, Kongsberg Technology
- Camilla Stoltenberg, CEO, NORCE
- Lars Andresen, Managing Director, NGI
NGI: More Knowledge for More People: How to Strengthen the Link Between Research and Municipalities
EXPERT PRESENTATIONS
- When Research and Municipalities Meet: What Does It Take to Create Value, and Where Are the Barriers? by Jean-Sébastien L'Heureux, Section Manager, Natural Hazards, Trondheim, NGI
- Why Do Municipalities Need Research to Enable Greater Transformation? by Geir B. Føyner Aga, Chief Executive Officer, KS
PANEL
- Bjørnar Skjæran, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Labour Party (Ap)
- Vidar Thom Benjaminsen, Mayor of Vågan Municipality, Conservative Party (H)
- Geir B. Føyner Aga, Chief Executive Officer, KS
- Camilla Stoltenberg, CEO, NORCE
- Lars Andresen, Managing Director, NGI
