Strategy material
Strategy material
Updates on the Strategy Process

The university board has approved a new strategy
At the board meeting on June 18, the entire board endorsed the proposal for a new strategy, with some suggestions for adjustments. Rector has been authorized by the board to finalize the strategy, incorporating the comments made during the meeting. The new strategy will replace the current one and will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Rector wishes to thank everyone for their dedication to the work on the university strategy and hopes that this strong engagement will continue in the development of new strategies at the faculties, the university museum, the departments, and the Gjøvik and Ålesund campuses.
An updated and finalized version of the strategy will be published as soon as it becomes available.

Draft on a new university strategy out for hearing - strategy also needs a name
A draft of a new university strategy is now available for review within the organisation. Wednesday 30 April is the deadline for providing input and feedback on the content of the draft. Rector invites the organisation to suggest a title that expresses the essence of the strategy. The writing group will act as a jury and will select a winner of the competition. The best title proposals will also be rewarded afterwards, and the title proposal will be taken further in the process.

Strategic Workshop with Students and the Rector
On Monday, February 3rd, a student workshop was held on the new university strategy. In the meeting with the rector, the student representatives emphasized the importance of preserving the key attractions that make new students choose NTNU: the study environment and the student volunteer community. The students also highlighted the need have a dedicated focus on study quality at all levels. Additionally, the student representatives pointed out that NTNU is a broad-based university and that this should be better promoted and utilized.
Date: 03.02.25

150 leaders at NTNU discuss the questions of our time
Department leaders, deans, the rectorate, directors, board memebers, union representatives, and faculty board members at NTNU, along with invited guests, gathered in Oppdal for the annual leader meeting. Rector Tor Grande stated clearly to the assembly that it is absolutely crucial for NTNU to have high ambitions to be an international, leading, and research-intensive university. "It is entirely possible for us to be among the top ten universities in EU funding," said the rector
Date: 29.01.25

A dedicated writing group is in place
The strategic work at NTNU is in full action, and a dedicated writing group has now been formed to take responsibility for drafting the strategy document itself. The writing group is diverse in terms of background and is led by Professor John Krogstie (IE). Here are the other members of the writing group: Professor Hans Solli Sæther (ØK), Head of Communication Tove Eivindsen (VM), Department Head Ida Westermann (NV), Associate Dean Anders Strømman (IV), Senior Advisor Charlotte Gaertner (SU), Associate Dean Eli Støa (AD), Senior Advisor Ida Munkeby (DOI), Chair of the Student Parliament Didrik Nohre Lønvik, Department Head Lars August Fodstad (HF), Professor Stig Slørdahl (MH).
Date: 21.11.24

Let Us Discuss Tomorrow's Ambitions for NTNU
Tor Grande is inviting the university to discuss the ambition level NTNU should aim for. Describing the level of ambition NTNU should have in the future is a unique opportunity that rector Tor Grande hopes as many as possible will seize. The Board has proposed two ambitions as a starting point for further discussion within the organization, but it is also possible to suggest alternative ambitions. Additionally, Rector is seeking input on the premises or prerequisites that must be in place to succeed in the coming years. Suggested ambitions by the board:
1) We will develop as a leading, international university with high-quality standards.
2)We will strengthen our role in applying knowledge and driving sustainable development.
Date: 21.11.24.

The Vice-Rectors will lead the work on campus strategies
At Dombås on October 2–3, preparatory meetings were held regarding campus strategies for the cities of Gjøvik and Ålesund. The ambition of the gathering was to establish a shared understanding of the role campus strategies should play in relation to faculty strategies. The meeting also explored specific opportunities and challenges that it is natural for the university cities of Ålesund and Gjøvik to address in their strategic work. Vice-Rector Anne-Lise Sagen Major in Ålesund and Vice-Rector Gro Iren Kvanli Dæhlin in Gjøvik are leading the work on campus strategies. The first draft of the campus strategies is scheduled to be ready by February 1, 2025.
Date: 02.10.24.

The strategy as a Prioritization Tool
At the board meeting on October 29, 2024, the framework for NTNU's new strategy was clarified. The board decided that NTNU's new strategy will apply to the period 2026–2035 and will be revised after six years. The strategy document should be concise and clear, with a distinctive title that captures the essence of the strategy. It will be structured around two to three ambitions that will guide NTNU's direction over the next ten years, as well as four to five prerequisites necessary to achieve these ambitions.
Furthermore, the board decided that NTNU's vision, "Knowledge for a Better World," and the values of being creative, constructive, critical, and respectful will be retained. However, NTNU’s identity and strategic priorities will be refined in distinct ways, as the vision and values represent something more enduring.
Date: 29.10.24

How do we develop the "knowledge engine" in Gjøvik?
“We need to be more bold and showcase our strong knowledge communities!” That was the one of the challenges NTNU received from our partners during a meeting in Gjøvik on September 26. Around forty representatives from the defense sector, healthcare, business, and public sectors attended. They had the chance to highlight both the challenges and opportunities facing the region and urged NTNU to define the university’s ambitions and how to collaborate effectively to address regional challenges and possibilities.
Date: 26.09.24
Date: 26.09.24

Should vision and values be separated from the strategy?
On September 11, the board held a workshop in the newly opened Helgasetr. One of the topics that was discussed revolved around separating the strategy from NTNU’s values and vison. The board members argued that the vision and values of NTNU reflected the identity of the institution and are more enduring than a strategy document. The board members also debated whether the new strategy should span eight or ten years. Additionally, the Chief of Defense gave a separate speech on the topic of collaboration between the defense sector and the higher education sector.
Date: 11.09.24
Date: 11.09.24

New website for the strategy process is launched
Work on NTNU's new strategy is underway, and the secretariate on the strategy process has launched a website to provide updated information on the process. The site also features a feedback form where people can submit feedback and comments.
Date: 13.08.24
Date: 13.08.24

Debate on NTNU’s vision and values
A panel discussion about NTNU’s vision and values was held at Dokkhuset. The questions revolved around several topics: Should the vision, “Knowledge for a better world,” be revised, or will it remain relevant in the upcoming strategy period? The debate touched on lessons from other universities' “slogans”, the participants shared a common view on the vision's ambitious nature, and how it helps define NTNU’s identity. There was also discussion on how to ensure that the vision shapes the values of our students entering the workforce.
Date: 02.09.2024
Date: 02.09.2024

High expectations for NTNU’s strategy
Cecilie Myrseth, the Minister of Trade and Industry, was among several participants who gathered in the Council Room at Gløshaugen to provide input for the next phase in the process of making a new strategy for NTNU. Other attendees included Trondheim’s Mayor Kent Ranum, Marte Løvik from NHO Trøndelag, and Karin Espelund from the Museums of Southern Trøndelag. They all shared their thoughts and expectations on what they thought NTNU should focus on.
Date: 22.08.24
Date: 22.08.24

Kicking off with input from Ålesund
Acting rector Tor Grande initiated the strategy process with a workshop at NTNU’s Ålesund campus, seeking input and feedback from local and regional actors on NTNU’s role in the region the coming years. “There were many valuable discussions with local stakeholders. It's clear that NTNU means a lot to the region,” said Grande, who was pleased with how the first workshop went.
Date: 11.04.24
Date: 11.04.24

"We need to bring out the best in each other"
In his speech, acting Rector Tor Grande highlighted the importance of a new strategy. "This work cannot be top-down. We need to involve the entire organization in the process. The strategy covers a long period, so the foundation it’s built on must be solid," Grande told the audience of leaders from NTNU.
Date: 23.01.24
Date: 23.01.24
Internal notices
In Norwegian
- 150 ledere ved NTNU diskutere de store spørsmålene i vår tid - NTNU Nyheter
- — Det er fullt mulig for oss å være blant de ti fremste universitetene - NTNU Nyheter
- Melding på Innsida om opprettelsen av skrivegruppa
- Opptakk og oppsummering av styremøtet 29. oktober 2024
- Opptakk fra Dokkhuset om NTNUs visjon og verdier
- Rektor inviterer til debattmøte om NTNUs visjon og verdier
- Store forventninger til NTNUs strategi blant samarbeidspartnere
- Strategi og økonomi på agendaen når rektor er i Ålesund
- Rektors tale på ledersamlingen i Oppdal 2024
Media reports
In Norwegian
- – Studentene må få mulighet til å være med og si sin mening (underdusken.no)
- - Vår kunnskap etterspørres av mange, også de som ikke vil oss godt (universitetsavisa.no)
- Vil ha NTNU på topp ti blant universitetene i EUs rammeprogram (khrono.no)
- Om NTNUs visjon: Vi må ha høye ambisjoner som vi kan strekke oss etter (universitetsavisa.no)
- Er NTNU rustet til å fremme uavhengig kritisk tenkning i fremtidens universitet? (universitetsavisa.no)
- En visjon som biter, takk! (universitetsavisa.no)
- Se og les intervjuet med rektor (universitetsavisa.no)
- Forsvarssjefen vedgår at de hemmeligstempler for mye — lover bot og bedring (khrono.no)
- Hemmelig forskning inn på campus (universitetsavisa.no)
- «Den som har visjoner, bør oppsøke lege» (universitetsavisa.no)
- «Med ord starter vi kriger, med ord gifter vi oss» (universitetsavisa.no)
- NTNUs nye strategi – hvem vil vi være? (universitetsavisa.no)
- NTNU og det åpne samfunn – et innlegg om NTNUs strategi (universitetsavisa.no)
- NTNU trenger mye - men det trenger ikke en ny visjon (universitetsavisa.no)
- NTNU trenger en ny visjon (universitetsavisa.no)
- Har NTNUs styre en god plan for den nye strategien? (universitetsavisa.no)
- Snart går «Kunnskap for en bedre verden» ut på dato (universitetsavisa.no)
- Finnes det alternativer til våpenindustrien som inntektskilde og samarbeidspartner? (universitetsavisa.no)
- Musikk er beredskap – et innspill til NTNUs strategidebatt (universitetsavisa.no)
- Grande i Ålesund: - Ingenting avgjort om flytting av master (universitetsavisa.no)