NOBALIS is a Nordic−Baltic consortium consisting of five agricultural and technical universities, and two organisations with expertise in tech transfer, start-up support and acceleration programmes. The aim is to develop, share and expand innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) support capabilities in the areas of sustainable food production, circular economy and development of new green value chains – in line with the research areas of the participating higher education institutions (HEIs), and regional smart specialisation strategies. Given the similar academic profiles and historical connection through the NOVA/BOVA/Erasmus+ networks, project partners will continue their cooperation beyond the funding period.

The overall objective of NOBALIS is to:

• integrate I&E as part of daily routines in all parts of the organisation;
• leverage the integration of HEIs and their contribution to the innovation ecosystem through close collaboration on the part of a variety of knowledge triangle stakeholders.

The implementation of the Innovation Vision Action Plan will lead to the expected outcomes:

• facilitate the existing innovation capacity of HEIs specialised in bio-based research through institutional learning, developing a comprehensive institutional policy and framework, and measurement system for I&E activities;
• pool existing knowledge, networks and good practices, supporting bio-based I&E in the Nordic−Baltic region, using it for co-learning and co-creating new knowledge and skills to improve the practices, and validating and adjusting the models to each HEI to address its weaknesses;
• produce well-documented and disseminated information and ideas for I&E and partnership activities that is available for transfer to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, Knowledge and Innovation Community members, and other HEIs interested in developing their I&E capacity;
• enhance the impact and visibility of HEIs in the innovation ecosystem of the Nordic−Baltic region through expanding the partnerships and improving capacity to support entrepreneurship to offer research and development services to the private and public sector;
• raise awareness of opportunities for bio-based innovations and facilitate the entrepreneurial mindset, skills and learning of young people, academics and non-academic to encourage entrepreneurship, taking chances on entrepreneurial opportunities using regional and HEIs resources.

The main target groups for mentorship and training are students, academic staff members and non-academic staff members. Enterprises, clusters and non-governmental organisations representing the food, bio-resources and bio-technology sectors engaged in the NOBALIS Entrepreneurial and Innovation Capacity Development Programme will benefit through dissemination and networking events, and the establishment of new partnerships. The regional public sector will benefit from stronger I&E activity in the HEIs through the creation of new jobs and increased settlement of young people; and the general public will benefit from sustainable and green innovations launched in the market.

Project coordinator

Solveig Fossum-Raunehaug, Leder Forskning- og innovasjonsavdelingen, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (contact)