From left: Xiaohan Shao, Karoline Lund Johansen, Yevhenii Cheberiako and Eléonore Alix Louise Marie Hamoir.
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In a compelling session at Arctic Congress Bodø 2024, students from Nord University’s Master Course in ‘International Governance and Business in the High North’ presented their visionary scenarios for the development of smart cities in the Arctic by 2045. The event, held at the Kraft building in Bodø, was moderated by Elena Dybtsyna from the High North Center for Business and Governance.
The session, titled "High North Scenarios for the Development of Smart Cities in the High North till 2045," showcased the innovative ideas of master students who have been working on these scenarios in the lead-up to the congress. Their task was to envision how smart cities might evolve in the Arctic, considering various factors such as technological innovation, public-private partnerships, and sustainability.
The winning team of students, consisting of Xiaohan Shao, Karoline Lund Johansen, Yevhenii Cheberiako and Eléonore Alix Louise Marie Hamoir, presented three potential scenarios:
1) Protect the Arctic: This scenario focuses on the severe impact of climate change and the subsequent need for strict regulations to protect the region. It envisions a future where resource extraction is heavily regulated, leading to increased geopolitical tensions and a significant investment in education and technological innovation to foster new business models and job creation.
2) Corporate Paradise: In contrast, this scenario depicts a business-centric approach with minimal regulation, fostering an environment of rapid technological advancement and significant private investment. The smart cities in this scenario thrive on low taxes, privileged access to resources, and strong public-private partnerships, making them attractive for both businesses and residents.
3) Energy Vampire: The final scenario explores the consequences of a failed corporate paradise, where a lack of human resources leads to overreliance on technology and high energy consumption. This scenario highlights the challenges of balancing energy needs with sustainability and the potential for geopolitical conflicts over resources.
In her closing remarks, Marianna Bahr Simonsen, CEO of KRAFT, applauded the students' efforts and emphasized the importance of such forward-thinking exercises. "These scenarios are not just academic exercises; they are crucial for understanding and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the High North. We need young, talented minds to help shape a sustainable future for our cities."
The session concluded with a diploma ceremony, recognizing the outstanding contributions of the winning team.
The event underscored the Arctic Congress Bodø 2024’s commitment to fostering dialogue and innovation among the next generation of Arctic leaders.
