The three pillars of our education and learning environment strategy are:

• Education of internationally outstanding graduates
• Quality of education
• Development of an excellent learning environment

NTNU is an outstanding educational institution that attracts the best students. Our graduates are in demand in Norway and abroad. They are highly skilled in their disciplines, with an interdisciplinary focus, and have expertise relevant to working life.

Our study programmes are attractive internationally. In collaboration with academic environments in Norway and abroad, we have a portfolio of programmes relevant for lifelong learning. All study programmes provide insight into scientific literature, critical reflection and ethics. They are based on a solid research foundation in academic disciplines and educational competence. A key to developing quality is our close dialogue with the private and public sectors.

Students are involved in developing content and learning processes in a tailored learning environment. New technology enables stimulating and varied approaches to learning and assessment, and facilitates access to lifelong education. Students are involved in research; and teaching, work practices and research are linked. We are systematically learning from best practice, experiences and results from our centres and strategic research areas.

Teaching staff at NTNU are engaging and highly competent. We develop effective systems that promote quality through systematic evaluation and follow-up. We are an active partner in national and global arenas and a driving force in sharing learning resources. 

Development goals

Improve the quality of our study programmes through coordination and concentration as well as on the basis of internation

Prioritise innovative and exploratory learning processes of high quality, grounded in research-based knowledge about learning

Develop the portfolio of lifelong learning programmes in cooperation with working life

Establish programmes for systematically improving educational competence

• Development of talented researchers and excellent research environments
• Quality improvement throughout our organization
• Research within and across disciplines

The close interaction between basic and applied research is our strength. Basic research is the foundation for development for all areas. We have a strong profile in applied research, and a broad-based platform for collaboration with the private and public sectors. SINTEF is a close partner, strengthening our national and international competitiveness.

Our research performance is at a high international level. Our research groups have a distinct profile that supports education and innovation and that takes advantage of interdisciplinary opportunities. We develop robust research groups and support internationally leading researchers.

Our research infrastructure is one of our competitive advantages. Shared use across the university and co-location of the infrastructure ensure effective utilization.

External funding helps to build capacity and develop quality in our research projects. NTNU paves the way for and expects our researchers to succeed in national and international competition for research funding.

We publish our research results and research data with open access, through renowned channels and increasingly together with international partners.

Our PhD education maintains high international standards and our candidates are important resources for our research. Our PhD graduates are in demand among knowledge-intensive organizations outside academia, and they find relevant work both in and outside academia.

Development goals

Increase our success in external competitive arenas, especially in international competition for excellent research

Develop research collaboration with other research communities as well as with public- and private-sector organizations

Improve the quality of our publications to strengthen our scientific impact

Facilitate knowledge sharing through open access to our publications and research data

The three pillars of our innovation strategy are:

• Collaborating with established business
• Collaborating with the public sector
• Helping to create new business

NTNU is an important contributor to research-based sustainable value creation, innovation and increased competitiveness. Focusing on creating value for businesses and the public sector, we collaborate with our partners to help solve problems and seize opportunities by combining theory and practice. This makes us an attractive partner.

Based on ideas from our employees and students we stimulate and realize commercial activities. We put knowledge into practical use through a well-functioning ecosystem for innovation. In cooperation with partners, we succeed in creating societal impact by supporting the establishment of new businesses.

Our students gain skills in innovation and take on issues relevant to business and the public sector. In this way, our graduates become attractive employees, contributing to innovation and development.

Development goals

Strengthen long-term collaboration with established business and public sector to improve the innovation capability  

Increase the number of innovations, commercialization projects and start-ups from staff and students

Include training in innovation in our students’ education

The three pillars of our dissemination and outreach strategy are: 

• Dissemination of results from research and artistic development to the research community and to students
• Communication and outreach to share knowledge with the public
• User-oriented communication of research aimed at specific groups who can apply the knowledge and technology in their work practice

We ensure that knowledge developed at NTNU becomes visible and accessible to individuals and society. Our communication and outreach spark interest and understanding of science and innovation among children and young people. We contribute to an evidence-based public debate.

We adapt our communication to the different user groups and contribute actively to the design of knowledge-based work practice, policymaking and public administration.

Our communication is open, true, engaging and involved. We use innovative methods, arenas and media.

Our work with dissemination, communication and outreach strengthens our reputation and helps us to recruit talented employees and students nationally and internationally. It makes us an attractive collaborative partner for business, the public sector and research organizations in Norway and abroad.

Development goals

Increase our participation in public debate and ensure that our perspectives, ideas and results become better known and used

Strengthen dissemination and outreach skills among employees and PhD students

In particular, strengthen dissemination in technology and science

Increase knowledge about NTNU, nationally and internationally