Community - Strategic research area
NTNU Community
Knowledge for an inclusive and democratic society
Strategic Research Area 2024–2031
Through interdisciplinary research, NTNU Community aims to contribute to a viable democracy that safeguards the common good, strengthens trust and cohesion across different groups, and reduces exclusion and polarization.
Interdisiplinary Teams
NTNU Community has established interdisciplinary research teams that work on complex societal challenges. In the teams, researchers from different disciplines and faculties build networks and develop research projects. The interdisciplinary research teams collaborate broadly both internally at NTNU and with external actors. An important part of the teams' mandate is to communicate research results and participate in the public debate.
If you are interested, please contact the team directly.
Research Focus Areas
Climate Change and the Environment
Climate Change and the Environment
The future is increasingly uncertain. Instability and crises affect us as citizens and challenge the systems we have in place to safeguard important societal functions locally, nationally and globally. A key challenge is how to achieve a just transition to a sustainable society.
Restructuring of the Welfare State
Restructuring of the Welfare State
Our welfare model is being challenged in a period with less financial leeway. There is a need to rethink the public sector, and key tasks must be solved in new, smarter ways. One example is that more and more of the services we receive from the public sector are digital, which can be perceived as time-saving and easy for some groups, while others may feel that they are losing control over their own lives.
Social Inequality and Exclusion
Social Inequality and Exclusion
We are experiencing increased social inequality locally and globally. More and more people are outside both work and education, and individuals or groups are being marginalized and excluded. In the Norwegian context, for example, we see that the proportion of young adults who cannot enter the labor market is increasing.
Trust and Democracy
Trust and Democracy
Norwegian society has been characterized by a high degree of trust. Trust is linked to a functioning democracy based on participation, open dialog and knowledge-based decisions. There are many indications that we can no longer take democracy and trust for granted.
Research Centres
Researchers in NTNU Community are active at several centres.
