Fresh snow plays an important part in cooling our planet. It has a very high albedo, reflecting most of the sunlight that strikes it. So, as we gathered in Svolvær on the last evening of May, after a day of reflections of our own, what could be more fitting than fresh snow covering the ground?
INTRANSIT organized a seminar to discuss our research so far and to consider how to bring it together as a whole, potentially as a book. It became clear our work is rich and multifaceted.
We do research on the complexity and interplay of transitioning multiple sectors, industries, and sociotechnical systems at the same time.
On the ‘twin transition’ of digital and green – how they go together, when they go together, and if smart always leads to more sustainable.
We study how transitions affect value-chains and how value chains affect transitions, differences across regions and industries, and how natural resources affect transitions.
Research on policy and policy processes, missions, and wicked problems.
Change within organizations. How organizations collaborate. Clusters and niche incumbent relations.
In short, our work offers a broad look at the multiple actors, systems, and processes involved in the ongoing transition of industries – plenty of content for an INTRANSIT book.
Socializing
While our academic discussions were rewarding– for a centre that has spent much of its existence in home offices, behind facemasks, webcams, and screens – socializing was perhaps the most important.
On the eve of June, surrounded by sharp peaks, with the light of the midnight sun half threatening to break through the clouds, what better way to connect than a snowball fight with your colleagues?
Some tried the sauna and freezing baths in the arctic ocean. We played football in Henningsvær, with nothing but a lighthouse between the field and the open sea, walked among the smelly stockfish heads hanging from wooden racks. And when the June sun finally broke through the clouds, melting most of the snow, we braved the steep climb from Svolvær up to the Devil’s Gate, getting spectacular views as our reward.
After four days, INTRANSIT departed Lofoten with unique experiences. We gained a clearer understanding of the work we have done and the work ahead. We left with several ideas for perspectives and ideas for an INTRANSIT book, and most importantly, we got to know each other better.
We return to work motivated to understand the industrial transformation needed, so the arctic summer snow can continue to offer us and our planet its important reflections.