NTNU’s strategy 2018–2025
Strategy - NTNU 2035
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NTNU 2035 is the main strategy for the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, with campuses located in Trondheim, Gjøvik and Ålesund. The strategy will guide the further development of NTNU while preserving our distinctive character and integrity as an academic institution.
The strategy is based on NTNU’s unique characteristics. We are a comprehensive university with a main profile in science and technology, and with a strong focus on professional studies. NTNU’s unique profile is reflected in our social mission, where interdisciplinarity is an important strength. NTNU’s core tasks are education, research, artistic development, innovation and dissemination.
‘Knowledge for a better world’ is our vision. This, along with our four core values creative, constructive, critical and respectful form an important part of the university’s identity.
NTNU is a university with high ambitions. The strategy sets out three overarching ambitions that will guide development and priorities throughout the strategic period. The three ambitions emphasise different dimensions in NTNU’s vision. The strategy further promotes four prerequisites that must be met to realise these ambitions.
NTNU 2035 is the university’s main strategy. The faculties, the University Museum, the departments and the campuses in Gjøvik and Ålesund will develop their own strategies that operationalise the main strategy. The main strategy covers a tenyear period and shall be revised no later than after six years.
NTNU will be a leading international university
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology aims to strengthen its position as an internationally recognised university with a distinct main profile. At the same time, we will further develop our strong academic communities within disciplinary, professional and artistic programmes. This unique combination gives us the opportunity to develop knowledge, expertise and programmes of study that are at the forefront internationally.
We will further develop and build several world-leading academic communities. At the same time, we will facilitate long-term research and development across the full breadth of our academic disciplines. PhD candidates are an important part of our research resources, and our doctoral education shall be recognised for maintaining a high international standard. Our research activity shall provide a strong foundation for excellence in education, innovation and dissemination. NTNU shall offer nationally and internationally attractive programmes of study that are research-based, relevant and future-oriented, and that are developed in close collaboration with working life and other societal actors. We shall further develop our educational expertise and strengthen efforts to renew learning, teaching and assessment methods, in accordance with the international forefront of knowledge. Students shall be able to trust that NTNU meets high expectations, and they themselves shall be met with high demands and expectations.
NTNU shall collaborate more closely with leading knowledge environments around the world in order to contribute to new knowledge and to ensure high quality in everything we do. We will strengthen collaboration with selected international partners, and our European collaboration shall remain a central focus.
NTNU will be a driving force for knowledge-based and sustainable social development
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology shall be an independent, distinct and responsible actor that develops, shares and disseminates knowledge and critical perspectives for the benefit of society. NTNU shall facilitate meeting places and knowledge sharing between society and the university, strengthening our academic quality and relevance.
NTNU shall take advantage of its distinctive character and interdisciplinarity to develop knowledge that addresses complex societal challenges. Through collaboration across subject areas and sectors, we will strengthen efforts related to sustainability, welfare and value creation. NTNU shall emphasise its role as a partner nationally and in all the regions where it is located. NTNU shall be characterised by creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, and we shall contribute to transforming knowledge into solutions regionally, nationally and internationally. Knowledge, technology, ideas and perspectives from NTNU shall also contribute to creating new enterprises.
Graduating students are our most important contribution to societal development and sustainable transformation. Our graduates shall be highly competent, academically strong, interdisciplinary oriented and well prepared for a constantly changing working life. NTNU’s programmes of study shall help meet future competency needs, and we shall offer flexible and accessible educational provision that makes lifelong learning possible.
NTNU shall be an attractive academic community
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology aims to be the most attractive university in Norway for ambitious students and staff seeking academic development and a sense of belonging in a strong academic community. NTNU shall facilitate academic and personal development and scientific dialogue.
A diversity of perspectives and experiences shall enhance the quality of our work. Therefore, we want to attract people with different expertise, backgrounds and views. In order to promote development and provide new impulses, we will facilitate student and staff mobility. At NTNU, there shall be room to pursue groundbreaking ideas and develop expertise in an open and inclusive environment that promotes curiosity, interdisciplinary understanding and critical thinking – in accordance with our academic traditions and our societal mission.
Students shall actively participate in NTNU’s learning community and contribute to the development of content, methods and types of learning in collaboration with the academic communities. Students shall experience a learning environment that facilitates academic specialisation, personal development and social belonging. We will facilitate involvement in student activities and student volunteering, and contribute to a healthy student culture across campuses and academic communities. We will recruit and develop skilled employees in all job categories and offer good career paths and development opportunities. Former students and employees shall be proud ambassadors for NTNU and recognise the value of continued collaboration and contact.