- We need this in Norway, and that is why Kongsberg Agenda is important

Will influence and be influenced

– When my 16-year-old came from Kongsberg Agenda last year and said that this was “pretty cool”, I understood that this was an event that managed to meet many target groups, says senior lecturer Eivind Arne Fauskanger at USN School of Business, Department of Industrial Economics, Strategy and Political Science, Kongsberg campus. He adds that he was impressed by the overall concept last year, and therefore wanted USN to be even more involved this year.

According to Fauskanger, there are several reasons why USN wanted to become a partner with Kongsberg Agenda. They are most concerned with education, research and development, and Fauskanger believes that the offer in these services must keep pace with societal developments.

- We must both influence and be influenced. And Kongsberg Agenda is certainly an arena where we are inspired, says Fauskanger.

He goes on to say that USN is a major player in the region, and a major player in Kongsberg. Therefore, it is important for them as an institution to be visible and to take that responsibility.

- We want to profile ourselves as an important player locally, regionally and nationally. Kongsberg Agenda is a great fit because the event not only has a local profile, but also a national one.

Will attract students

USN is committed to good interaction with companies and public administration, on both the project and research side. In addition, the university is committed to attracting even more students.

- We see it as attractive if a university manages to show what they actually do. We have to profile competence, so that students see what opportunities exist with us, says Fauskanger.

During this year's Agenda, USN will have several program items that, among other things, put the spotlight on health technology, science in schools, technology in schools and artificial intelligence. In addition, they will be concerned with restructuring in working life, both in the public and private sectors.

- Here we are in dialogue with very relevant players, who I hope will make the trip to Kongsberg this summer, says Fauskanger.

Matters a lot locally and nationally

He has no doubt that Kongsberg Agenda is very important for the silver city. In addition to bringing more life to the city center, he believes it is only natural that there is a technology capital in Kongsberg.

- I am fascinated by the fact that the organizers have also made this a public festival.

But it is not only locally that Fauskanger believes Kongsberg Agenda has significance.

- We need a national arena that debates and shines a spotlight on technological development and the challenges that come with it. We need this in Norway, and that is why Kongsberg Agenda has significance, concludes Fauskanger.