Nordic Impact

Translating research into real-world impact

About us

We strive to increase the social and economic impact of research insights and innovations by increasing the involvement of Nordic research graduates in solving current and future challenges.

“Without impact, innovation is just an idea with promise. Without scale, there is no opportunity for transformation.” -Judith Rodin

Background

The number of individuals with postgraduate research education has seen a marked increase in the last decade. In Sweden alone, there are now close to one hundred thousand postgraduates. This has led to an unprecedented level of research insights and innovations.

However, the distribution of this expertise in the labor market is not even, with a significant proportion of doctoral graduates remaining in academia. In particular, within the fields of social sciences, humanities, and arts, over half of all doctoral graduates are employed at colleges or universities*.

To fully realize the potential of this vast knowledge base, it is crucial to facilitate effective collaboration between research, industry, and society, and to implement pragmatic processes to ensure that research has a measurable impact on society and the economy.

*UKÄ. 2018

POSTGRADUATES IN SWEDEN (SCB, 2021)

postgraduates in the Swedish labor market*

Increase in postgraduates 2007-2018

42%

Works at a University or College

35%

Works in Healthcare

17%

What we do

By collaborating with government agencies, funding bodies, entrepreneurs, investors, venture capital firms, academia, media, and policy-makers, we work to provide opportunities for Nordic research graduates to translate research insights and innovations into real-world social and economic impact.

Our expertise is in bridging the gap between insight and action; facilitating cross-sector collaboration and partnerships, developing new tailored methods and tools for specific needs and challenges, and building networks, research clusters, think tanks, competence groups, and experimental labs. Nordic Impact also has a proven track record of disseminating research insights and innovations to the broader public, promoting a greater understanding of research potential and supporting the development of new ideas.

Impact Collaboration

Ensuring real-life impact by coordinating knowledge exchange between reserach, industry and society.

Expertise Network

Developing and supporting research networks, expertise centers and experimental labs.

Research Dissemination

Facilitating exhibitions, research events, workshops, seminars and lectures.

BOARD ADVISORY

Providing governance and strategic input for, e.g., The Creative Industry, R&D Centers and Networks, EU programmes, Funding bodies, and Industry.

Highlighted Initiatives

Objects of Insight - bringing research insights to life, PARALELL PUBLISHING

The last decades have witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of individuals pursuing postgraduate research education worldwide. This increase has resulted in an unprecedented level of research insights and innovations, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and problem-solving in a multitude of fields.

“Objects of insight” will include an exhibition where physical objects serve as conduits to unlock reservoirs of research knowledge. Pick up an object and be transported into a world of discovery, where the seamless blend of physical and digital experiences brings the insights of research to life. Immerse yourself in a sensory journey of exploration and learning, where each object is a portal to remarkable research and innovative thinking.

The initiative is currently fundraising, please reach out if you want to be part of bringing research insights to life!

ACADEMY FOR The FUTURE - BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

An trans-disciplinary ecosystem comprised of some of the leading thinkers across academia, technology, industry and cooperates.

We believe that education is about achieving personal potential, community well-being, alongside sustainable global stability and peace. Academy for the Future catalyze talent to help co-create a sustainable future 4 all.

Academy for the Future is a collaboration with SMARTlab, an award winning research institution supporting user-driven, trans-disciplinary research that leverages creative technology innovation for real social change.

Read more at Academy4theFuture.com (link to an external site).

Bridging paradigms - Values, Assets, Skills, Objects, Memories.

The overlay of analog and digital cultures has caused significant disruption, yet there has been a lack of adequate response. To address this, we’re bringing together practitioners and researchers who have experienced and embraced both cultures. Our goal is to collect insights and visual examples from those who have lived through this paradigm shift before it’s too late.

During the 1980-2000 era, interdisciplinary practice-based research flourished, leading to the conception of information technology. Cross-media projects were created in labs worldwide, utilizing diverse competencies to develop innovative concepts and technologies. This early activity paved the way for the shift between analog and digital cultures.

To raise awareness of this crucial period, we will publish interviews with experts and curate a traveling exhibition of ideas based on the publication. Additionally, we will use various media channels, such as posters, billboards with quotations, podcasts, TV shows, and networking events with schools, to showcase these ideas.

By investing in this initiative, partners will be contributing to the preservation of an important era in interdisciplinary practice-based research and promoting greater understanding and awareness of the power of collaboration in driving innovation and progress.

COMPLEXITY CAFÉ - A CONVERSATION SPACE FOR PRACTICE-BASED RESEARCH

At Nordic Impact, we support a space for conversation around practice-based research. In our Complexity Café, we invite prominent researches to share their insights.

CURRENT TOPIC: MANAGING TRANSITION BETWEEN PARADIGMS - NEW ARTISTIC PRACTICES

Projects are underway investigating art practice in the transition from scarcity to abundance. Artists are siting their work in places outside the traditional white box to experience their art in a different context. One such example is the collaborative artist led Billboard project in the heart of Times Square celebrating the 50th anniversary of A.I.R. Gallery.

Digital tools have extended the arena where artists can place their work and form a connection with others. We might ask why artists are still competing for the few opportunities offered by traditional institutions when they can create their own through self selection. By integrating analogue and digital tools within their practice, each artist’s studio can be their own museum. The level playing field we have been waiting has arrived, if artists would recognize and take up the challenge to BE THE MUSEUM.

museumforcontemporaryartists.net
museumforcontemporaryartists.com

Current Guest
Dr. Daria Dorosh

Bringing the Knowledge Triangle Mindset to life

The Knowledge Triangle Mindset is a fundamental element of the entrepreneurial university model, which emphasizes the importance of collaborating with external actors beyond the academic sphere. This approach allows universities to gain insights into societal needs and opportunities, and empowers graduate students to contribute to the development of innovative products and solutions in a socio-economic context.

A group of graduate researchers from various networks, under the coordination of Nordic Impacts, are currently working on the development of educational resources based on the Knowledge Triangle program that was initiated by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The target audience for these educational resources includes graduate and post-graduate students from various fields such as humanities, social and life sciences, design and engineering, as well as academic staff and external partners from private and public sectors that are connected to the universities.

The aim of these educational resources is to provide the target audience with examples, tools, and methods on how to effectively collaborate with other stakeholders within the framework of the knowledge triangle (education, research, and innovation). By doing so, the group aspires to promote a culture of innovation and collaboration that extends beyond the boundaries of the academic institution and contributes to the development of practical solutions that can benefit society as a whole.

THE METAVERSE INSTITUTE - MENTORSHIP AND TRAINING FOR A NEW SOCIETY

The Metaverse Institute is dedicated to providing mentorship and training to individuals using immersive technologies, with the goal of preparing them for the new society emerging in the Metavetse.

The institute strive to empower individuals by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the rapidly changing digital landscape. Through our programs, we create a supportive community that fosters personal and professional growth, while also facilitating meaningful connections and collaborations.

Our mission is to equip individuals with the tools they need to succeed in the Metavetse and beyond, while also promoting innovation and positive change in society.

COURSES - TRAININGS - WORKSHOPS

Designing and evaluating Digital creative technology in exhibition

This course explores the design and evaluation of digital technology in public exhibitions, drawing from 20 years of research. Participants learn to evaluate visitors’ experiences using the “use qualities method” from interaction design and methods from visitor study and human-computer interaction.

Upon completion, participants can design, implement, and evaluate engaging digital interfaces for exhibition, explore experiential and interpretive uses of digital media, and evaluate visitor experiences. The course is for practitioners and students and uses lectures, workshops, study visits, and group work.

See Course Description (opens in a new window).

Post digital media for communication with audiences in cultural environments

In the aftermath of COVID-19, heritage institutions were forced to increase their digital presence and re-design communication and engagement with diverse audiences. This, in turn, has facilitated a need for skilled professionals that are able to develop omni-channel communication strategies and co-create meaningful experiences in both digital and physical realms. Harnessing digital media allows to promote sustainable engagement and collaboration between institutions and audiences. The rationale for this course is therefore to train competences to effectively design, implement and evaluate digital media for communication and soft skills to collaborate internally and externally in cultural heritage related projects and processes.

See Course Description (opens in a new window).

HIGHLIGHTED PRIOR INITIATIVES

Over three decades, we have managed a large base of interdisciplinary projects resulting in a deep understanding of various disciplines and how they intersect, an ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and complex projects, a broad perspective and creative approach to problem-solving, a wide network of contacts across various disciplines and stakeholders, and an ability to communicate effectively.

The Knowledge Triangle

Increased the synergies between academia and society, and facilitated knowledge exchange in relation to commercialization and innovation in design, culture, welfare, energy, health and entrepreneurship.

Nordic Digital Excellence in Museums

International Network supporting knowlegdge exchange between, creative industry, academia, museums and heritage sites.

VR Research Intervention

Evaluated and optimized real-world research impact. By leveraging research in Virtual Reality (VR) and Behavioral Science a pro-environmental VR intervention was designed and tested. The initiative provides examples of how research might inform and inspire prosocial action in practice.