NORSI is a Nordic Research School in innovation and entrepreneurship with 28 partner institutions across the five Nordic countries, over 300 PhD candidates, 200 alumnis and around one hundred faculty members connected to the school. NORSI is designed to enhance doctoral students development by combining academic rigour with professional and personal growth. NORSI offers a curated portfolio of advanced courses in core topics such as innovation policy, sustainability transitions, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, as well as specialised courses in cutting-edge methods. Doctoral students acquire a strong theoretical and methodological foundation, including access to courses that may not be offered at their home institutions. Beyond the courses, NORSI offers structured arenas that directly support doctoral progress.
At the annual research conference students can present ongoing work and receive detailed feedback from peers and senior scholars. Kappa writing seminars offer unique added value by supporting students at critical stages in shaping the overarching narrative of their dissertation, including structured peer review and faculty input.
NORSI also builds transferable skills crucial for future careers. Through case-based activities, policy briefs, and engagement with stakeholders, students develop skills to communicate research effectively, collaborate across sectors, and frame their work in a broader societal context. The interactions with mentors and alumnis further prepare them for diverse academic and professional pathways. Importantly, NORSI also contributes to combating isolation. Connecting students across five countries creates a supportive community that fosters belonging, confidence, and long-term professional ties. All these factors ensure that participants graduate not only as competent researchers but as engaged professionals ready to contribute to innovation and entrepreneurship in both academic and applied settings.
