The Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research's core competencies are linked to three fields of knowledge:
- Place
- Governance
- Sectors
Place denotes primarily geographical areas, such as cities and municipalities, but also identity and belonging. This geographical dimension has both economic, cultural and political implications and is thus included as an important perspective in our social analyzes. Governance is knowledge of political processes, instruments, management and values.
Our analyzes include the implementation and implications of public policy, planning, organization, coordination and governance, as well as democracy and participation. NIBR's knowledge of place and governance is linked to policy fields in many of the sectors of society. Especially important are climate and environmental issues, housing policy, (public) health policy, regional and business policy. In these areas we have broad expertise, nationally and internationally.
The Institute's studies of politics and political governance in a spatial context allow for a holistic perspective and a deeper understanding of complex societal conditions. Analyzes also ensure comparisons across levels of government, geographical areas, policy fields and nations.
Key research areas
- Housing market and housing policy
- Democracy and participation
- 'The green shift'
- Global urban studies
- Health and public health
- Local and regional politics and governance
- Migration and inclusion
- Regional economy and innovation
- Place-making and area development
International work
- Southern and Eastern Africa
- Southern and South Eastern Asia
- Latin America
- Eastern Europa, Eurasia and Central Europa
We are a partner of the Oslo Centre for Interdisciplinary Environmental and Social Research - CIENS (ciens.no).
