Kunnskapsparken Helgeland
About
Kunnskapsparken Helgeland is a regional innovation company, with the aim of being a driving force for innovation, value creation and growth in Helgeland, Norway. The organisation works closely with business, public enterprises, research and educational environments. Their expertise is in competence, innovation, business establishment/incubation, clusters and networks. The organisation’s motto is “Interaction creates growth”.
Role in project
Kunnskapsparken Helgeland is the TCL host for the Transition Coastal Lab in Norway. They are responsible for the everyday running of the TCL, communication with the coastal communities and the wider region, and the organisation of local workshops (WP2, WP3, WP4 and WP6). They are also responsible for the Ocean Literacy capacity building in the Norwegian TCL (WP6).
The Team
Vilde Johnsgård Nygaard
Project Manager
Vilde has several years of experience in business development, developing competence measures, and project management within the tourism industry in Helgeland and Northern Norway. She has experience with strategic work related to sustainability and HR. She also shares responsibility for managing KPH's incubator. She holds a Master's degree in Nature-Based Tourism. Within EmpowerUs, she works in the Norwegian TCL of Træna, assisting local organisations, volunteers, and businesses with networking, strategy and business model development, and organising activities related to culture, nature, and social entrepreneurship among volunteer associations.
Åsta Halse
Project Manager
Åsta has several years of project management experience in recruitment, branding, communication, and developing competence measures in Helgeland, Northern Norway. She holds a degree in Media Studies and a Master's in Science and Technology Studies (STS). Åsta has led regional development initiatives focused on attracting talent, fostering innovation, and building strong local networks, working closely with the business community in the region to ensure growth and development. Within EmpowerUs, she serves as a coordinator and facilitator, ensuring that activities are executed as planned, leading steering group meetings, and contributing to the overall engagement of initiatives in the area. Åsta supports local organisations, volunteers, and businesses in Træna by facilitating networking, strategy development, and organising activities that enhance community vitality and promote social entrepreneurship.