Heidi Rapp Nilsen

About

Heidi’s overall theme in research, teaching and supervision is environmental sustainability and how this relates to business ethics, sustainability reporting, research ethics and interdisciplinarity, investments, and circular economics. Specific industries are addressed as well as governance policy at different levels. She is a Professor in Sustainability at NTNU Business School. At NTNU she has previously worked as Associate Professor in 'Sustainbility and Ethics' at The Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management.

Heidi holds a PhD from Nord University Business School, and master’s degree in economics from the University of Bergen. She is an experienced researcher and project leader with background from the research institute Norut AS, which is now part of NORCE. Heidi is lecturing and supervising at different faculties and universities - as well as outside academia. She has also worked with these themes in two UN organizations; the Food and Agriculture organization (FAO), and at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Some externally funded R&D projects:

Sustainable Market Actors for Responsible Trade (SMART), https://www.smart.uio.no/

Industry water-utility symbiosis for a smarter water society (ULTIMATE), funded by H2020

Biosmart.no

Marine Plastic Waste in the Arctic (MARP)

Barents Sea Drill Cuttings research initiative (BARCUT), http://site.uit.no/ewma/barcut/

Samarbeid om etisk kompetanseheving (Cooperation for increased competence in ethical reflection), by KS

Research

Interdisciplinary research for sustainability

Global Survey on Business Ethics

Objectives include • Contemporary issues in the business ethics fields; • the language and terminology that frames business ethics; • themes covered in teaching, research and training of business ethics; • major issues in forthcoming years.

Publications

2025

Nerland, Rita Grøtvik; Solbu, Gisle; Hansen, Kristin; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2025) Transforming local governance: using system leverage points to conceptualize sustainability transformations. Sustainability Science
Academic article

2024

Nerland, Rita Grøtvik; Hestad, Dina; Solbu, Gisle; Hansen, Kristin; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2024) Relational visioning and the emerging future: Transforming towards a sustainable local society. Futures: The journal of policy, planning and futures studies
Academic article
Fossberg, Eirin Braatlund; Jenserud, Victoria Grymyr; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2024) Global Survey of Business Ethics - Norway.
Academic chapter

2023

Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Munoz-Torres, María Jesús; Escrig-Olmedo, Elena. (2023) Investing in Planetary Boundaries? Analysing Sustainable Investments of Sovereign Wealth Funds in Europe.
Academic chapter
Cullen, James; Mähönen, Jukka Tapio; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2023) Financing Sustainable Value Creation.
Academic chapter
Verhulst, Elli; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Sortland, Bjørn Olav. (2023) Engaging and Empowering Students to Contribute to Sustainable Development Through Developing Interdisciplinary Teamwork Skills.
Academic chapter
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2023) Code Red for Humanity: The Role of Business Ethics as We Transgress Planetary Thresholds. Journal of Business Ethics
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Johnsen, Mette Mari Wold; Andersen, Nina Haugland; Helgesen, Hanne Charlotte Asbjørnsdatter. (2023) Interdisciplinary collaboration for sustainability. Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Research report

2022

Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Goodwin, Daniel; Poncet, Marine; Smith, Heather; Thorseth, May Britt; Koop, Stef. (2022) Ethical Drivers and Societal Expectations for the Circular Economy. A White Paper. Ultimate. Water Smart Industrial Symbiosis
Research report
Nerland, Rita Grøtvik; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Andersen, Bjørn Sørskot. (2022) Biosphere-based sustainability in local governments: Sustainable development goal interactions and indicators for policymaking. Sustainable Development
Academic article
Finska, Linda; Ivanova, Ludmila; Jakobsen, Ingvild Ulrikke; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Normann, Anne Katrine; Solski, Jan Jakub. (2022) Waste Management on Fishing Vessels and in Fishing Harbors in the Barents Sea: Gaps in Law, Implementation and Practice. Ocean Development and International Law
Academic article

2021

Sjåfjell, Beate; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Mähönen, Jukka. (2021) 'Bidrag til Amnestys argumentsamling om oljefondet og forhåndsfiltrering', i rapporten fra Amnesty: "Oljefondets nye etiske rammeverk - rigget for framtiden?". Amnesty International
Working paper
Carson, Siri Granum; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2021) CSR in the Norwegian context.
Academic chapter

2020

Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2020) Studenter fra ulike fag og land, og inndeling i diskusjonsgrupper om bærekraft og verdier. Læring om læring
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2020) Staying within planetary boundaries as a premise for sustainability: On the responsibility to address counteracting sustainable development goals. Etikk i praksis
Academic article
Cullen, James; Mähönen, Jukka; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2020) Financing the Transition to Sustainability: SMART Reform Proposals. Universitetet i Oslo
Research report
Welde, Morten; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2020) samfunnsøkonomisk analyse -samfunnsøkonomisk lønnsomhet. Store Norske Leksikon (Nettutgaven)
Popular science article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2020) sirkulær økonomi. Store Norske Leksikon (Nettutgaven)
Popular science article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2020) økologisk økonomi. Store Norske Leksikon (Nettutgaven)
Popular science article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Aursand, Marit. (2020) Sirkulær økonomi.
Academic chapter

2019

Sjåfjell, Beate; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2019) Pretty villages aside, Norway has not stopped drilling for oil - and it may never lose its fossil fuel addiction. Independent - nettavis
Popular science article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Carson, Siri Granum. (2019) Bærekraft, etikk og profitt – Statens pensjonsfond utland i møte med den globale økologiske krisen. Nytt Norsk Tidsskrift (NNT)
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Ringholm, Toril Merete. (2019) Lost in motivation? The case of a Norwegian community healthcare project on ethical reflection. Cogent Business & Management
Academic article
Junttila, Juho; Dijkstra, Noortje; Sørensen, Steffen Aagaard; Cochrane, Sabine K.J.; Landfald, Bjarne; Røberg, Stian; Arbo, Peter; Knol-Kauffman, Maaike; Solås, Ann-Magnhild; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2019) Barents Sea Drill cuttings research initiative (BARCUT)-project - End report. UiT Norges arktiske universitet
Research report
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Sjåfjell, Beate; Richardson, Benjamin J.. (2019) The Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global. Risk Based versus Ethical Investments. Quarterly Journal of Economic Research
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2019) The hierarchy of resource use for a sustainable circular economy. International Journal of Social Economics
Academic article
Mähönen, Jukka; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2019) The role of the state as investor in promoting sustainability: an empirical analysis. 7Letras
Research report

2018

Sjåfjell, Beate; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Richardson, Benjamin R.. (2018) Investing in Sustainability or Feeding on Stranded Assets? The Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global. Wake Forest Law Review
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Nilsen, Trond. (2018) With license to pollute: Stakeholders suggestions of environmental improvements regarding drilling waste in the Barents Sea. Barents Studies
Academic article
Antonsen, Yngve; Normann, anne k meinich; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Magelssen, Morten. (2018) Systematisk etikkarbeid krever lederforankring. Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Sjåfjell, Beate. (2018) Svar på Høring – NOU 2018: 12 Energiaksjer i Statens pensjonsfond utland. Finansdepartementet
Research report

2017

Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Strømsnes, Kristin; Schmidt, Ulla. (2017) A broad alliance of civil society organizations on climate change mitigation: political Strength or legitimizing support?. Journal of Civil Society
Academic article

2016

Bresciani, Stefano; Ferraris, Alberto; Santoro, Gabriele; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2016) Wine Sector: Companies' Performance and Green Economy as a Means of Societal Marketing. Journal of Promotion Management
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Myhr, Sindre. (2016) Kartlegging av omdømmet til planlegging. En undersøkelse blant studenter og brukere. (10/2016). NORCE Research AS
Research report

2015

Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Ellingsen, May-Britt. (2015) The power of environmental indifference. A critical discourse analysis of a collaboration of tourism firms. Ecological Economics
Academic article
Ringholm, Toril M; Mikkelsen, Eirik Inge; Alnes, Per Kristian; Hauge, Atle; Lie, Ivar; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Gløtvold-Solbu, Katrine. (2015) Økonomisk samspill og vekstmuligheter I Sør-Tromsregionen. (4/2015). NORCE Research AS
Research report

2014

Ringholm, Toril; Alnes, Per Kristian; Hauge, Atle Jensen; Lie, Ivar; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Gløtvold-Solbu, Katrine. (2014) Økonomisk samspill og vekstmuligheter i Sør-Tromsregionen (4/2015). NORCE Research AS
Research report

2009

Vetlesen, Arne Johan; Nilsen, H. R.. (2009) Oppskrift for kollaps. Aftenposten (morgenutg. : trykt utg.)
Popular science article

2008

Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2008) Carbon capture and storage in the light of circulation economics. International Journal of Social Economics
Academic article

2007

Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2007) Climate change and the petroleum industry: Analyzing an environmental value chain for CO2.
Academic chapter

1995

Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (1995) Strategiske investeringer og markedsmakt. En analyse av norske industribedrifter. LOS-senteret
Master thesis

Journal publications

Sjåfjell, Beate; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Richardson, Benjamin R.. (2018) Investing in Sustainability or Feeding on Stranded Assets? The Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global. Wake Forest Law Review
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2008) Carbon capture and storage in the light of circulation economics. International Journal of Social Economics
Academic article
Nerland, Rita Grøtvik; Hestad, Dina; Solbu, Gisle; Hansen, Kristin; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2024) Relational visioning and the emerging future: Transforming towards a sustainable local society. Futures: The journal of policy, planning and futures studies
Academic article
Sjåfjell, Beate; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2019) Pretty villages aside, Norway has not stopped drilling for oil - and it may never lose its fossil fuel addiction. Independent - nettavis
Popular science article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2020) Studenter fra ulike fag og land, og inndeling i diskusjonsgrupper om bærekraft og verdier. Læring om læring
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2020) Staying within planetary boundaries as a premise for sustainability: On the responsibility to address counteracting sustainable development goals. Etikk i praksis
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Carson, Siri Granum. (2019) Bærekraft, etikk og profitt – Statens pensjonsfond utland i møte med den globale økologiske krisen. Nytt Norsk Tidsskrift (NNT)
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Ringholm, Toril Merete. (2019) Lost in motivation? The case of a Norwegian community healthcare project on ethical reflection. Cogent Business & Management
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Sjåfjell, Beate; Richardson, Benjamin J.. (2019) The Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global. Risk Based versus Ethical Investments. Quarterly Journal of Economic Research
Academic article
Welde, Morten; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2020) samfunnsøkonomisk analyse -samfunnsøkonomisk lønnsomhet. Store Norske Leksikon (Nettutgaven)
Popular science article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2020) sirkulær økonomi. Store Norske Leksikon (Nettutgaven)
Popular science article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Nilsen, Trond. (2018) With license to pollute: Stakeholders suggestions of environmental improvements regarding drilling waste in the Barents Sea. Barents Studies
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2020) økologisk økonomi. Store Norske Leksikon (Nettutgaven)
Popular science article
Nerland, Rita Grøtvik; Solbu, Gisle; Hansen, Kristin; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2025) Transforming local governance: using system leverage points to conceptualize sustainability transformations. Sustainability Science
Academic article
Nerland, Rita Grøtvik; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Andersen, Bjørn Sørskot. (2022) Biosphere-based sustainability in local governments: Sustainable development goal interactions and indicators for policymaking. Sustainable Development
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2019) The hierarchy of resource use for a sustainable circular economy. International Journal of Social Economics
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2023) Code Red for Humanity: The Role of Business Ethics as We Transgress Planetary Thresholds. Journal of Business Ethics
Academic article
Antonsen, Yngve; Normann, anne k meinich; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Magelssen, Morten. (2018) Systematisk etikkarbeid krever lederforankring. Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
Academic article
Vetlesen, Arne Johan; Nilsen, H. R.. (2009) Oppskrift for kollaps. Aftenposten (morgenutg. : trykt utg.)
Popular science article
Aure, Marit; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Ringholm, Toril. (2011) Håp, engasjement - men kommer det flere folk?. Plan - tidsskrift for samfunnsplanlegging, regional- og byutvikling
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2010) Overlapping consensus versus discourse in climate change policy: The case of Norway's Sovereign Wealth Fund. Environmental Science and Policy
Academic article
Dybvig, Dagfinn Døhl; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2010) Frikjente demokratier. Dagbladet
Popular science article
Bresciani, Stefano; Ferraris, Alberto; Santoro, Gabriele; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2016) Wine Sector: Companies' Performance and Green Economy as a Means of Societal Marketing. Journal of Promotion Management
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2010) The joint discourse 'reflexive sustainable development' - From weak towards strong sustainable development. Ecological Economics
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Strømsnes, Kristin; Schmidt, Ulla. (2017) A broad alliance of civil society organizations on climate change mitigation: political Strength or legitimizing support?. Journal of Civil Society
Academic article
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Ellingsen, May-Britt. (2015) The power of environmental indifference. A critical discourse analysis of a collaboration of tourism firms. Ecological Economics
Academic article
Finska, Linda; Ivanova, Ludmila; Jakobsen, Ingvild Ulrikke; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Normann, Anne Katrine; Solski, Jan Jakub. (2022) Waste Management on Fishing Vessels and in Fishing Harbors in the Barents Sea: Gaps in Law, Implementation and Practice. Ocean Development and International Law
Academic article

Part of book/report

Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Munoz-Torres, María Jesús; Escrig-Olmedo, Elena. (2023) Investing in Planetary Boundaries? Analysing Sustainable Investments of Sovereign Wealth Funds in Europe.
Academic chapter
Cullen, James; Mähönen, Jukka Tapio; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2023) Financing Sustainable Value Creation.
Academic chapter
Verhulst, Elli; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Sortland, Bjørn Olav. (2023) Engaging and Empowering Students to Contribute to Sustainable Development Through Developing Interdisciplinary Teamwork Skills.
Academic chapter
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Aursand, Marit. (2020) Sirkulær økonomi.
Academic chapter
Fossberg, Eirin Braatlund; Jenserud, Victoria Grymyr; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2024) Global Survey of Business Ethics - Norway.
Academic chapter
Carson, Siri Granum; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2021) CSR in the Norwegian context.
Academic chapter
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2007) Climate change and the petroleum industry: Analyzing an environmental value chain for CO2.
Academic chapter

Report

Ringholm, Toril; Alnes, Per Kristian; Hauge, Atle Jensen; Lie, Ivar; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Gløtvold-Solbu, Katrine. (2014) Økonomisk samspill og vekstmuligheter i Sør-Tromsregionen (4/2015). NORCE Research AS
Research report
Cullen, James; Mähönen, Jukka; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2020) Financing the Transition to Sustainability: SMART Reform Proposals. Universitetet i Oslo
Research report
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Goodwin, Daniel; Poncet, Marine; Smith, Heather; Thorseth, May Britt; Koop, Stef. (2022) Ethical Drivers and Societal Expectations for the Circular Economy. A White Paper. Ultimate. Water Smart Industrial Symbiosis
Research report
Buanes, Arild, NORUT Samfunn; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Bye, Geir. (2011) The production of renewable |energy as a regional development policy in rural areas, Troms. Norut, rapport 13/2011. NORCE Research AS
Research report
Junttila, Juho; Dijkstra, Noortje; Sørensen, Steffen Aagaard; Cochrane, Sabine K.J.; Landfald, Bjarne; Røberg, Stian; Arbo, Peter; Knol-Kauffman, Maaike; Solås, Ann-Magnhild; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2019) Barents Sea Drill cuttings research initiative (BARCUT)-project - End report. UiT Norges arktiske universitet
Research report
Sjåfjell, Beate; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Mähönen, Jukka. (2021) 'Bidrag til Amnestys argumentsamling om oljefondet og forhåndsfiltrering', i rapporten fra Amnesty: "Oljefondets nye etiske rammeverk - rigget for framtiden?". Amnesty International
Working paper
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2011) Klimautslipp, energibruk og energiproduksjon. Kommunene i Troms. NORCE Research AS
Research report
Bye, Geir; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2011) VinterTroms AS – Pilotstudie av en nettverksdannelse innen reiselivet i Troms. NORCE Research AS
Research report
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Lie, Ivar; Nilssen, Inge Berg; Myhr, Sindre. (2012) Sør-Troms/nordre Nordland - faktagrunnlag om næringsliv og befolkningsstruktur. NORCE Research AS
Research report
Aure, Marit; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Josefsen, Eva; Ringholm, Toril. (2011) Med håp og engasjement. En kunnskapsstatus om utfordringer og strategier i rekruttering av arbeidskraft til distriktskommuner. NORCE Research AS
Research report
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Smith, Kristin Haugland; Solvoll, Gisle. (2010) Plattformbru over Mistfjorden. Miljøaspekter og lovmessige utfordringer. Nord universitet
Research report
Ellingsen, May-Britt; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Bye, Geir. (2013) Innovasjon og samhandling i bioteknologi og reiseliv. Sluttrapport fra VRI-Troms, Forskerprosjektet. NORCE Research AS
Research report
Ringholm, Toril M; Mikkelsen, Eirik Inge; Alnes, Per Kristian; Hauge, Atle; Lie, Ivar; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Gløtvold-Solbu, Katrine. (2015) Økonomisk samspill og vekstmuligheter I Sør-Tromsregionen. (4/2015). NORCE Research AS
Research report
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Sjåfjell, Beate. (2018) Svar på Høring – NOU 2018: 12 Energiaksjer i Statens pensjonsfond utland. Finansdepartementet
Research report
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Myhr, Sindre. (2016) Kartlegging av omdømmet til planlegging. En undersøkelse blant studenter og brukere. (10/2016). NORCE Research AS
Research report
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Johnsen, Mette Mari Wold; Andersen, Nina Haugland; Helgesen, Hanne Charlotte Asbjørnsdatter. (2023) Interdisciplinary collaboration for sustainability. Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Research report
Mähönen, Jukka; Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2019) The role of the state as investor in promoting sustainability: an empirical analysis. 7Letras
Research report

Student thesis or dissertation

Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2010) From weak to strong sustainable development : an analysis of Norwegian economic policy tools in mitigating climate change. Nord universitet
Doctoral thesis
Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (1995) Strategiske investeringer og markedsmakt. En analyse av norske industribedrifter. LOS-senteret
Master thesis

Teaching

Courses

Outreach

2026

Other presentation

Nilsen, Heidi Rapp. (2026) Sustainability, Ethics and the Limits of Compromise. International Academic Dialogue marking the 11th Anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond 2030: Rethinking the SDGs through Economy, Ethics and Technology
Conference lecture

Nilsen, Heidi Rapp; Martin, Theophile. (2026) Interdisciplinary cooperation for sustainability. Closing Conference SusRes