Mr. Stølan holds an M.Sc. degree from the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH), in technical-economic planning in regional and urban areas. His Master’s thesis focused on Regional and Local Economic Impacts of Petrochemical Industrialization. He is the founder and CEO of International Development Norway. In the period 1997-2008, he was the Research Director at three different SINTEF departments (Applied Economics, Logistics & Economics, and International Operations), one of the largest Scandinavian research institutes. As a researcher on “commercialization of technology,” he was engaged at Surrey Technology Center, Surrey University, Guildford UK, 2003-2004. He also has experience as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Economic and Operations Research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Mr. Stølan has extensive international experience in project development management and consulting, local economic development, innovation, and transnational technology transfer. He has more than 20 years of practice experience in delivering and managing SME innovation and competitiveness actions. Also, he has more than 12 years of experience in building up and managing research activities in SINTEF and coming competencies in R&D and innovation within Norway, Europe, and developing countries. His background ensures direct access to numerous institutions and networks regarding technology innovation, innovative SMEs, regional development, and science and technology policy. Additionally, he has consistent experience in managing projects funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA), EU funded: Framework Programs, Competitiveness Innovation Programs (CIP), and EEA grants.
Innovation for Sustainability with examples from Norway
Sustainability has become a critical global goal amid environmental and economic challenges, with innovation playing a crucial role in addressing these issues. This keynote highlights Norway as a model for innovative strategies aiding sustainability worldwide. Using Norway’s examples, the presentation will cover fundamental principles of sustainability innovation, such as systems thinking, interdisciplinarity, and scalability. With its strong policies and innovation culture, Norway excels in renewable energy like hydropower and floating offshore wind, inspiring other regions. The country’s advancements in electric vehicles and sustainable transport solutions offer valuable insights. Norwegian innovations in marine sustainability and energy-positive urban planning will also be discussed, showcasing effective resource conservation. The presentation concludes with insights into the importance of trust and collaboration among stakeholders, emphasising Norway’s success factors—public trust, stakeholder engagement, and education—as a guide for developing sustainable policies.