STRATEGY 2018–2025

STRATEGY 2018–2025

KNOWLEDGE FOR
A BETTER WORLD
Norwegian University of Science and Technology – NTNU
Approved by the Board of NTNU

Guide to readers
The strategy consists of three parts.
Part 1 describes our vision, values, mission,
key challenges and main objectives.
Part 2 deals with NTNU’s core tasks. These are educationand the learning environment, research, artistic activities,
innovation, and dissemination and outreach.
Part 3 addresses cross-cutting themes. These include
internationalization, interdisciplinary collaboration,
career and skills, work environment and student welfare,campus development and NTNU’s ability to evolve.
Parts 2 and 3 describe the core tasks and priority areas.
They describe the preferred state for NTNU at the end of
the strategy period. In addition, they specify development
goals of particular importance for each area.
The strategies and related development goals are intended
to help realise NTNU’s main objectives as they are describedin the chapter “Main objectives – NTNU 2025.”

Graphic design and production: NTNU Graphic centre, Communication Division
Published by: Communication Division, NTNU, january 2018

STRATEGY 2018–2025

01

Vision, values, social mission, key challenges
and main objectives............................................................... 4
Our vision: Knowledge for a better world...................................7
Our values...................................................................................8
Our mission...............................................................................10
Overview of challenges in 2018................................................12
Main objectives – NTNU 2025...................................................14

02

Core tasks.............................................................................16
Our education and our learning environment..........................18
Our research.............................................................................20
Our artistic activities.................................................................22
Our innovation activities...........................................................24
Dissemination and outreach.....................................................26

03

Priority areas........................................................................28
Internationalization...................................................................30
Interdisciplinary collaboration.................................................31
Career and skills.......................................................................32
Work environment and student welfare...................................33
Campus development...............................................................34
NTNU’s capacity for development............................................35

VISION
VALUES
SOCIAL MISSIONKEY CHALLENGES
MAIN OBJECTIVES

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STRATEGY 2018–2025

01
Grafisk design og produksjon: NTNU Grafisk
senterUtgitt av Kommunikasjonsavdelingen
NTNU, januar 2018»

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STRATEGY 2018–2025

OUR VISION:KNOWLEDGE FOR
A BETTER WORLD
Knowledge provides people with opportunities and influence, as well as afoundation for making wise choices. Knowledge inspires and challenges. Itchanges attitudes, mindsets, and how we perceive the world around us. Informed
debate strengthens our democracy. NTNU’s activities should benefit society as awhole and society can trust that our findings comply with best scientific practice.
Knowledge and technology development create opportunities forincreasing sustainable value creation and finding answers to major
challenges. Through the United Nations, the world has agreed on
17 Sustainable Development Goals. NTNU will contribute actively
towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
NTNU’s strength is our competence in science and technology
combined with academic breadth and interdisciplinarity.

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OUR VALUES

8

Photo: Geir Mogen

NTNU’s values serve as a guide for all staff and students, and our behaviour
reflects these values. Our work is founded on four values: to be creative,
critical, constructive and respectful.

STRATEGY 2018–2025

CREATIVE

Academic freedom is the basis for our activities.
We take on challenging questions and tasks, andseek innovative solutions through interdisciplinary
collaboration. NTNU supports the development
of disciplines, people and cultures. We value andencourage innovation among students and staff as wellas innovative teaching, research and artistic activities.

CRITICAL

Our activities build on fundamental democraticvalues and we represent an unprejudiced andindependent voice. The hallmarks of our academic
culture are debate, critical reflection, fact-basedknowledge, impartiality and ethical integrity. We
challenge conventional ideas and solutions.

CONSTRUCTIVE

We engage in an open and solution-oriented
dialogue with society and emphasize both
external and internal collaboration. We takesocial responsibility and we influence, advice anddevelop each other and our environment throughdialogue and dissemination of knowledge. NTNU
places emphasis on co-determination and active
involvement by students and employees.

RESPECTFUL

Every employee and student has a responsibility
to contribute to a work and study environment
characterized by respect and consideration.
We facilitate personal growth and professional
development. We contribute to diversity and equal
opportunity in society and in our own activities.
We promote equality and tolerance. At NTNU, weshow respect for varying attitudes and opinions.

9OUR MISSION

10Photo: Geir Mogen

Our mission covers both the expectations that society has of NTNU andthe problems in society that we ourselves want to solve. We have a general
mission, similar to other universities, and a specific mission, which makes
us unique.

STRATEGY 2018–2025

Our general mission
As a university, NTNU has a responsibility for basic research andfor educating outstanding graduates. We offer research-based
education at all levels. We develop and disseminate knowledge andmanage expertise about nature, people, society and technology.
NTNU promotes and disseminates cultural values, and contributes
to innovation in society, business and public administration.
One of the university’s responsibilities is to participate in a knowledgebased public debate. We use our knowledge to benefit society.
We commit ourselves to solving global challenges. Our activities
promote development, human rights and intercultural dialogue.

Our specific mission
NTNU is a multi-disciplinary university with a strong profile in scienceand technology, and a focus on programmes of professional study.
We contribute to Norway’s development. We create value –economic, cultural and social – and have a national role indeveloping the technological foundation for the future society.
Through our competence in science and technology andinterdisciplinary strengths, we help to solve complex problems.
We are an agenda setter for change processes and sustainable
development, and we contribute to competitive businessand industry as well as a capable public sector throughcollaboration in new practices, processes and products.
Artistic disciplines play a key role in NTNU’s identity.
We have a leading university museum with uniquescientific collections and public exhibitions.
NTNU is an important partner for development in
the cities and regions where we are located.

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OVERVIEW OF CHALLENGES IN 2018

Photo:Kristin Støylen

NTNU’s activities have a long-term perspective. At the same time, national andglobal social changes are rapid and wide-ranging, and some of their effects are
unpredictable. The importance of knowledge, quality and expertise is increasing.
Universities face demands and expectations that directly reflect the trends in society.
We have identified three specific trends that will be important for NTNU in thestrategy period until 2025: more intense competition, strengthened interaction withsociety, and willingness to change.

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STRATEGY 2018–2025

More intense competition
NTNU will experience more intense competition, both in recruiting excellent
staff and students and in obtaining research funding. Competition will
become increasingly global. To ensure that the best applicants for higher
education choose NTNU, we must secure study and learning environmentsthat are recognized for their high quality. We must ensure that ourstudents succeed in the job market, and prevent drop-out and delays in thecompletion of studies. NTNU must be positioned to succeed in both national
and international competition for research funding. A higher proportionof research funding will come from external sources and in collaboration
with international partners. Competition for the best employees will
increase, which will place new demands on NTNU as an employer.

Strengthened interaction with society
Society expects NTNU to be a partner and contributor in developing thesolutions of the future. Major technological changes present challenges,
but also offer new opportunities and a strengthened competitive edge.
Here, NTNU must lead the way. Teamwork and innovation are cultural traits
that must play an even greater role in all our academic environments.

An organization willing to change
For us to succeed in the competition for research and learning
environment excellence, and to be an attractive partner, we must
improve our activities further. Through well-designed, inclusive
processes, we must take advantage of our resources by setting clear
priorities and extending our use of new technology. More rapid changes
in the world around us require us to change faster than before, while
taking care of the university’s fundamental and lasting values.

13MAIN OBJECTIVES – NTNU 2025

Photo: Tony HallNTNU 2025 presents a desired state for NTNU at the end of the strategy
period. The overview of objectives sums up the ambitions in the strategy.
In 2025, we expect that:

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STRATEGY 2018–2025

We have strengthened our position. We have systematically
improved the quality of all our activities. At the same time,
we have paved the way for several of our academic groups to
be internationally leading. We have achieved the status of aninternationally oriented, high-quality research university.
The best students choose NTNU. Our learning environmentis innovative and exciting, and our student environment isrecognized as the best there is. Graduates from NTNU arehighly attractive to employers, both in Norway and abroad.
We perceive NTNU as one unified university, with creative
academic environments and exciting interdisciplinary
collaboration. We have realized more of the potential offeredby the integration of education, research and innovation at theuniversity. In addition, our role as a partner for innovation isan even more distinctive characteristic of NTNU. During thestrategy period, we have succeeded in our systematic efforts todevelop a culture of innovation among our students and staff.
Our employees are clearly visible in society and contribute actively
to its development. We use modern communication methods anddisseminate our results according to open access principles.
We have developed and modernized the technical and administrative
support services and provide services of the right quality tailoredto the needs of end users. Each employee’s skills and capabilities
are valued and developed systematically. Together, we havecreated inviting university campuses and work environments,
and NTNU’s employees refer to their workplace with pride.
In 2025, we have achieved our most ambitious goal; all our
departments have academic groups proven to be at a highinternational level in at least one of their core areas.
We have contributed to knowledge for a better world bysetting clear priorities for our efforts and resources inline with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

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CORE TASKSEDUCATION AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENTRESEARCHART
INNOVATIONDISSEMINATION AND OUTREACH

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STRATEGY 2018–2025

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»

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Photo: Geir Mogen

OUR EDUCATION AND OURLEARNING ENVIRONMENTSTRATEGY 2018–2025

THE THREE PILLARS OF OUREDUCATION AND LEARNINGENVIRONMENT STRATEGY ARE:
Education of internationally outstanding
graduates
Quality of education
Development of an excellent learning
environment

DEVELOPMENT GOALSNTNU will:
Improve the quality of our study programmes
through coordination and concentration as
well as on the basis of international trends inthe education and job markets
Prioritise innovative and exploratory learning
processes of high quality, grounded inresearch-based knowledge about learning
Develop the portfolio of lifelong learning
programmes in cooperation with working life

NTNU is an outstanding educational institutionthat attracts the best students. Our graduates are
in demand in Norway and abroad. They are highly
skilled in their disciplines, with an interdisciplinary
focus, and have expertise relevant to working life.
Our study programmes are attractive
internationally. In collaboration with academic
environments in Norway and abroad, we havea portfolio of programmes relevant for lifelong
learning. All study programmes provide insight
into scientific literature, critical reflection andethics. They are based on a solid researchfoundation in academic disciplines and educational
competence. A key to developing quality is ourclose dialogue with the private and public sectors.
Students are involved in developing content
and learning processes in a tailored learning
environment. New technology enables
stimulating and varied approaches to learningand assessment, and facilitates access to lifelong
education. Students are involved in research;and teaching, work practices and research arelinked. We are systematically learning frombest practice, experiences and results fromour centres and strategic research areas.
Teaching staff at NTNU are engaging andhighly competent. We develop effective systems
that promote quality through systematic
evaluation and follow-up. We are an active
partner in national and global arenas and adriving force in sharing learning resources.

Establish programmes for systematically
improving educational competence

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Photo: Anders Gimmestad

OUR RESEARCHSTRATEGY 2018–2025

THE THREE PILLARS OF OURRESEARCH STRATEGY ARE:
Development of talented researchers andexcellent research environments
Quality improvement throughout ourorganization
Research within and across disciplines

The close interaction between basic and appliedresearch is our strength. Basic research is thefoundation for development for all areas. We have astrong profile in applied research, and a broad-based
platform for collaboration with the private and public
sectors. SINTEF is a close partner, strengthening
our national and international competitiveness.
Our research performance is at a high international
level. Our research groups have a distinct
profile that supports education and innovationand that takes advantage of interdisciplinary
opportunities. We develop robust research groups
and support internationally leading researchers.
Our research infrastructure is one of
our competitive advantages. Shared use
across the university and co-location of theinfrastructure ensure effective utilization.

NTNU will:

External funding helps to build capacity and develop
quality in our research projects. NTNU paves the way
for and expects our researchers to succeed in national
and international competition for research funding.

Increase our success in external competitive
arenas, especially in international
competition for excellent research

We publish our research results and research datawith open access, through renowned channels andincreasingly together with international partners.

Develop research collaboration with otherresearch communities as well as withpublic- and private-sector organizations

Our PhD education maintains high international
standards and our candidates are importantresources for our research. Our PhD graduates
are in demand among knowledge-intensive
organizations outside academia, and they findrelevant work both in and outside academia.

DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Improve the quality of our publications tostrengthen our scientific impact
Facilitate knowledge sharing through open
access to our publications and research data

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Foto: Diana Lindbjerg

OUR ARTISTIC
ACTIVITIES22STRATEGY 2018–2025

THE THREE PILLARS OF OURSTRATEGY FOR THE ARTS ARE:
Developing outstanding artistic communities
Strengthening artistic development
Interacting with technology, science andsociety

With NTNU’s total academic environment
for higher education in the arts and artistic
development, we have a unique platform
for artistic activities and development withproven international quality. Based on our
artistic practices, we develop and study the
relationship between art and society, andfurther develop the interaction between art,
technology and science. We are an active partnerin strengthening the role of art in society.
Art creates new forms of insight, experienceand recognition. Art interprets and shapessocial interaction and is a key element indeveloping engagement and social awareness.
NTNU places art in an interdisciplinary,social and international context, in addition
to developing the critical and constructiverole of art and the artistic disciplines forthe individual, the public and schools.

DEVELOPMENT GOALSNTNU will:
Develop art with documented highinternational quality
Continue to develop the interaction between
art, science and technology
Contribute actively to strengthening the role ofart in society and schools

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Photo: Kai Dragland

OUR INNOVATIONACTIVITIES24STRATEGY 2018–2025

THE THREE PILLARS OF OURINNOVATION STRATEGY ARE:
Collaborating with established business
Collaborating with the public sector
Helping to create new business

NTNU is an important contributor toresearch-based sustainable value creation,
innovation and increased competitiveness.
Focusing on creating value for businesses
and the public sector, we collaborate with
our partners to help solve problems andseize opportunities by combining theory andpractice. This makes us an attractive partner.
Based on ideas from our employees andstudents we stimulate and realize commercial
activities. We put knowledge into practicaluse through a well-functioning ecosystem forinnovation. In cooperation with partners, we
succeed in creating societal impact by supporting
the establishment of new businesses.
Our students gain skills in innovation andtake on issues relevant to business and the
public sector. In this way, our graduates
become attractive employees, contributing
to innovation and development.

DEVELOPMENT GOALSNTNU will:
Strengthen long-term collaboration withestablished business and public sector to
improve the innovation capability
Increase the number of innovations,commercialization projects and start-ups fromstaff and students
Include training in innovation in our students’
education

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Photo: Thor Nielsen

DISSEMINATIONAND OUTREACH

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STRATEGY 2018–2025

THE THREE PILLARS OFOUR DISSEMINATION AND
OUTREACH STRATEGY ARE:
Dissemination of results from research andartistic development to the research community
and to students
Communication and outreach to share knowledge
with the public
User-oriented communication of research aimed
at specific groups who can apply the knowledge
and technology in their work practice

DEVELOPMENT GOALS

We ensure that knowledge developed at NTNU
becomes visible and accessible to individuals
and society. Our communication and outreachspark interest and understanding of science andinnovation among children and young people. We
contribute to an evidence-based public debate.
We adapt our communication to the different
user groups and contribute actively to thedesign of knowledge-based work practice,policymaking and public administration.
Our communication is open, true,
engaging and involved. We use innovative
methods, arenas and media.
Our work with dissemination, communicationand outreach strengthens our reputation andhelps us to recruit talented employees andstudents nationally and internationally. It
makes us an attractive collaborative partner
for business, the public sector and researchorganizations in Norway and abroad.

NTNU will:
Increase our participation in public debate
and ensure that our perspectives, ideas andresults become better known and used
Strengthen dissemination and outreachskills among employees and PhD students
In particular, strengthen dissemination intechnology and science
Increase knowledge about NTNU, nationallyand internationally27

PRIORITY AREAS
To meet future challenges, NTNU will
focus on selected priorities during thestrategy period: internationalization,interdisciplinary collaboration, careerand skills, the work environment andstudent welfare, campus development
and NTNU’s capacity for development.

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STRATEGY 2018–2025

03
technology and science
Increase knowledge about NTNU in Norway and abroad»

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INTERNATIONALIZATIONNTNU is an important contributor to global knowledge
development, and internationalization is integrated
in the activity of all our academic groups.
Internationally oriented study programmes ensure diversity
and increase quality, international experience and insight into
global issues. NTNU facilitates exchange of our own students
as well as integration and inclusion of international students.
Our participation at the forefront of international research
results in high scientific quality. An increasing share of
NTNUs research projects finds international funding andinvolves collaboration with international partners.
Our broad international network of contacts and expertisemakes NTNU an attractive partner for companies that
operate globally. Systematic collaboration with institutions
in low- and middle-income countries contributes
to mutual capacity and competence building.

DEVELOPMENT GOALSNTNU will:
Take better advantage of the EU’s funding for research,innovation and education to ensure high quality and relevancein our activities
Establish strategic partnerships with selected institutions
worldwide

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Photo: Geir Mogen

Strengthen international recruitment of outstanding
researchers and increase the international mobility of ouremployees
Increase the proportion of full-degree students who spend astudy period at an educational institution abroad

STRATEGI 2018–2025

INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATIONNTNU values and encourages interdisciplinarity. We facilitate
collaboration and a culture of sharing across units.
NTNU has cross-cutting strategic research areas that help tofocus and boost NTNU’s research, education and innovation
activities in areas especially relevant to society. We have clear
commitments to enabling technologies, which make an important
contribution to solutions in our strategic research areas.
Disciplinary knowledge is the platform for effective
interdisciplinary collaboration, and our core subjects
are the basis for the quality of our programmes ofprofessional study. Collaboration with businesses andthe public sector helps to ensure relevance in education
and research, in addition to meeting the needs ofsociety for innovation and interdisciplinary skills.
The skills of our graduates clearly reflect NTNU’s distinctive
characteristics, and an NTNU graduate is different
from other graduates. Our students develop teamwork
capabilities. Graduates from NTNU have tools, methods
and sufficient digital knowledge to meet future needs.

DEVELOPMENT GOALSNTNU will:
Take advantage of strategic research areas and enabling
technologies to realize ideas and solve problems in society
through interdisciplinary research projects

Encourage a culture of sharing and the use of resources andskills across units

Photo: Geir Mogen

Develop interdisciplinary study programmes and give students
insight into interdisciplinary teamwork through learning activities
across subject areas and professions

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CAREER AND SKILLSNTNU is an attractive and professional employer, which
offers favourable working conditions and a basis forall employees to develop throughout their careers.
NTNU has recruitment processes consistent with ourstrategy to ensure high quality in our activities.
Academic staff have several career paths of equal value. NTNU
is open to and encourages the use of different career paths.
Academic positions at NTNU are advertised internationally.
We have capable academic leaders who generate
enthusiasm and pave the way for all employees
to develop and use their abilities.
NTNU has well-designed support functions and ahighly competent administrative and technical staff.

DEVELOPMENT GOALSNTNU will:
Have an ambitious recruitment policy and effective proceduresto achieve successful appointments
Have a systematic dialogue with academic employees about
individual goals for academic development and career plans

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Photo: Tone Molnes

Develop the leadership role and boost the skills of ourmanagers and employees

STRATEGI 2018–2025

WORK ENVIRONMENTAND STUDENT WELFARE
NTNU has motivated, engaged and skilled staff andstudents. Everyone at NTNU takes independent
responsibility for contributing to an inviting, healthpromoting environment for work and study, and to aworkday in which staff and students experience challenges,
development, and joy in their work. Managers take aparticular responsibility for the work environment and work
systematically with health, safety and the environment.
NTNU has active co-determination with strong
involvement of staff and students. We practise inclusive
leadership and openness, and work in close cooperation
with student democracy and employee unions.
We focus on students’ well-being and achievements.
Studentsamskipnaden, the student welfare association,is our main partner in taking care of student welfare.
NTNU emphasizes and works towards diversity andgender balance among students and staff.

DEVELOPMENT GOALSNTNU will:
Integrate health-promoting work in our day-to-day activities
Contribute to an excellent context for learning, throughwelfare services and voluntary activities on our campuses

Photo: Tone Molnes

Improve gender balance in top-level academic positions

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CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT
Our university campuses are outstanding environments
for learning and work, contributing to high academic
quality. They gather students and staff within thesame subject area, while creating opportunities forinteraction across disciplines. Our campuses are living
laboratories. They are open and attract collaborative
partners. They encourage vibrant student communities
with student volunteer activities and student culture.

DEVELOPMENT GOALSNTNU will:
Establish workspaces and learning environments based on
research and experience
Develop sustainable technological solutions

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Photo: Anders Gimmestad

Develop a forward-looking, integrated campus in Trondheim
that serves as a model for future public-sector development in
NorwaySTRATEGI 2018–2025

NTNU’S CAPACITY FOR
DEVELOPMENTNTNU sets priorities for resources to ensure high quality
in our core activities, and develops a leading position in our
disciplines so that we can meet society’s changes, needs
and expectations. NTNU has user-friendly and effective
support systems. Future-oriented digital services focusedon user needs are available to students and staff. NTNU has
robust systems to meet the need for information security,
emergency response capacity and protection of privacy.

DEVELOPMENT GOALSNTNU will:
Have resource management that contributes to increased
productivity and creates room for manoeuvre in terms ofstrategic priorities and renewal at all levels

Photo: Colourbox

Launch digitalization initiatives and improvements that
support integrated, standardized procedures and work
processes

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FROM VISIONTO REALITY

2018–2025
NTNU’s vision and strategies will be specified in more detail in thestrategies and priorities of the faculties and the NTNU University Museum.
For selected themes, separate action plans will be developedwith a horizon of three to four years. These will include specificinitiatives and policies that apply across our organization.