AMOR at Arendalsuka: Collaboration between business and academia

During Arendalsuka, Professor Fabian Harang from BI Norwegian Business School took part in a panel debate in the DN tent alongside Ole Robert Reitan (CEO and owner of Reitan Retail), Sigrun Gjerløw Aasland (Norwegian Minister of Research and Higher Education) and Alexandra Bech Gjørv (CEO of SINTEF). The debate was moderated by BI President Karen Spens and focused on why business should collaborate with academia – and how we can best facilitate such partnerships.

Ole Robert Reitan (CEO and owner of Reitan Retail)

As part of AMOR (Center for Applied Mathematics and Operations Research), professor Harang leads projects that demonstrate how research can contribute to solving major societal challenges. One example is the collaboration with Reitan Retail and REMA 1000, where BI researchers investigate how to reduce food waste and environmental impact in the retail sector.

BI President Karen Spens together with Tore Høylie, Director of Operations & People at REMA 1000 Norway, and BI Professor Fabian Harang during the DN Debate.

In the debate, Harang highlighted how dialogue with industry can reveal more complex challenges than academia often anticipates, and how such interaction can provide a foundation for solutions that benefit both business and society. He also pointed to the need for more arenas where business and academia can meet, strengthening collaboration and creating opportunities for joint problem-solving.

Fabian Harang (Professor at BI Norwegian Business School), Alexandra Bech Gjørv (CEO of SINTEF), Ole Robert Reitan (CEO and owner of Reitan Retail), Sigrun Gjerløw Aasland (Norwegian Minister of Research and Higher Education). Moderator: BI President Karen Spens.