New initiative strengthens security and resilience research and education
In response to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape and an explicit call for closer collaboration between academia and society, NHH has launched a new Security and Resilience Initiative.
Led by Professor Katarina Kaarbøe and Associate Professor Bård Fyhn, the initiative brings together research, education, and partnerships to help strengthen Norway’s preparedness and societal resilience. The initiative was established following requests for collaboration from Stockholm School of Economics (HHS). In today’s security environment, marked by geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, and growing interdependence between civil and military domains, such collaboration is more important than ever.
Research, education, and societal engagement
The Security and Resilience Initiative aims to integrate high-quality research with teaching at all levels, from undergraduate and master programmes to executive education for decision-makers. The ambition is to develop new courses and programmes in preparedness and cross-sectoral governance, while also providing leadership training tailored to organisations operating in complex risk environments.
By combining academic insight with practical relevance, NHH seeks to serve as a neutral arena where public and private actors can collaborate on strengthening national and Nordic resilience.
Three strategic research areas
The initiative is structured around three main research areas, each addressing critical dimensions of security and resilience and each led by a dedicated academic director:
- Management and control in security and defence contexts, led by Associate Professor Dan-Richard Knudsen
- Innovation, collaboration and organisational adaptability, led by Professor Alexander Lundervold
- Geopolitical economics and societal resilience, led by Professor Øystein Thøgersen
Together, these areas span topics such as cyber security, crisis governance, dual-use innovation, geopolitical risk, and organisational learning under pressure.
Preparing society for the unpredictable
At its core, the Security and Resilience Initiative reflects NHH’s mission to contribute knowledge and competence in areas of growing societal importance. By connecting research, education, and cross-sector partnerships, the initiative aims to help organisations and governments become better prepared for uncertainty and disruption.
As Kaarbøe and Fyhn emphasise, strengthening resilience is not only about defence capabilities, but about how societies organise, govern, and collaborate in the face of complex threats. The new initiative positions NHH as a key academic partner in this effort, turning knowledge into readiness and resources into resilience.