Norway should buy Harvard

Harvard is no longer welcome in the United States. The world’s most renowned research and educational institution is threatened by persistent conflicts with the Trump administration—ranging from restrictive immigration policies against researchers and students, to funding cuts and threats to academic freedom.

Norway should seize this historic opportunity by using the Oil Fund to buy Harvard, construct a state-of-the-art facility near Oslo, and relocate much of its faculty and students to Norway. Harvard aligns perfectly with the Oil Fund’s goals of ethically investing to promote financial sustainability, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being.

Harvard’s contributions span pioneering medical research, shaping education reform, supporting women’s leadership, driving economic innovation, advancing climate solutions, and building institutions for justice and peace. Buying Harvard would infuse our economy with extraordinary intellectual capital, fostering sustainable innovation on Norwegian soil. Owning Harvard would also strengthen Norway’s voice in global academic, cultural, and political arenas.

Harvard’s struggles under Trump highlight why Norway should act swiftly. Immigration restrictions, reduced federal funding, threats to Harvard’s 53 billion dollar endowment, and political attacks undermine Harvard’s ability to remain a globe-leading academic and research institution.

Offer Trump a good deal

The Harvard Corporation, which is the non-profit organization in charge of Harvard, is facing an existential crisis and is looking for creative solutions to save their renowned institution. This creates a rare opportunity for Norway to acquire—and protect—Harvard at a favorable price. Trump’s love for deal making, and interest in vanquishing Harvard, mean that now is the time to act.

Norway could buy the entire Harvard Corporation and move it to Norway—certainly the time is right to get a good price. Norway has the money and Norway’s culture is a perfect fit with Harvard. Alternatively, Norway could invite the Harvard Corporation to relocate to Norway by investing in the research and infrastructure that are critical to the success of Harvard—and that are most threatened by the Trump administration.

Lillestrøm, with its riverside location near Oslo, offers a promising location similar to Harvard’s current location across the Charles River from Boston.

Relocating Harvard to Norway is an ambitious proposal that would encounter challenges. However, the potential logistical and cultural challenges of buying Harvard pale in comparison to the long-term benefits. Norway’s open and globally oriented society would support seamless integration and would strengthen Harvard’s academic and social environment, for the good of Norway, Harvard, and the world.

Norway has a unique opportunity to improve the lives of all Norwegians by buying Harvard and becoming a hub of global intellectual discourse, economic growth, and societal development.

This text was first published in Dagens Næringsliv: https://www.dn.no/innlegg/norway-should-buy-harvard/2-1-1850997