"This has not been an easy decision. Eastern Norway Research Institute has a long history, good academic deliverables and skilled employees. The majority of the board has nevertheless concluded that discontinuing the institute is necessary. The decision is financially justified", says board chair Maren Kyllingstad.
External commissions
Eastern Norway Research Institute is a social science research department at the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. The institute has 11 employees who carry out research and study projects for external clients.
The institute became part of the university through a business transfer in 2019, with the assumption that the institute would be financially sustainable within a reasonable time. The accounts show that this has not happened, and it is not considered realistic to achieve this balance in the future.
"We have not succeeded in our ambitions related to the institute's finances. The reality is that INN University and the faculty cannot continue to cover costs for the institute when our framework becomes tighter. That is why we have felt compelled to propose the discontinuation", says Rector Peer Jacob Svenkerud.
Information about further process
Now that the Board has reached its decision, work will begin to clarify how the discontinuation of the institute will be carried out.
The process will follow the guidelines for restructuring that INN University has set.
“I fully understand that the employees are in a precarious situation. We are inviting them to an information meeting before the weekend to inform them about the process ahead and answer questions,” says Svenkerud.
The employees will have internal priority for vacant positions at INN University for which they are qualified. The university is also open to considering severance agreements if it is considered appropriate. Redundancies may be necessary if other solutions are not feasible.
No date has yet been set for when Eastern Norway Research Institute will cease operation.
Contact
- peer.svenkerud@inn.no
- Phone
- +47 62 43 04 06