Edith Andresen

Tell us about Edith Andresen.

Originally from Trondheim, Norway, I have been living in Sundsvall for the past 22 years, where I work at Mittuniversitetet as a university lecturer in business administration with a focus on marketing. I was born into a small family business and have been an entrepreneur for a significant part of my life, so business development, business networks, and entrepreneurial individuals are close to my heart. I work a lot but also make time for my cabin in Hamn, taking walks, painting, crafts, and spending time with friends and family.

Describe your research.

In 2011, I defended my dissertation titled "Dressed for success - designing and managing regional strategic networks," and I consider myself primarily a network researcher. My focus has been on structural, process-related, and the role of network nodes. Structural factors can include the composition of network actors (companies/public organizations/academia, etc.) and the resources they have access to and can contribute. Process-related factors involve how trustful relationships, commitment, and legitimacy can be established, and what activities need to be carried out for consensus and collaboration to emerge in such network configurations. The "orchestrating" role, capabilities, and activities of network nodes are often connected to public/private collaboration on business development, innovation, and business model innovations. I often work in an action-oriented manner - that is, I research, communicate, and discuss results with respondents/network participants while following their process. This approach has also allowed real-time testing of research findings.

What sparked your interest in this field?

Between 1999 and 2007, I worked as a "broker" at Mittuniversitetet with external/internal collaboration as my main task, often in networks with various actors, and I realized that strategic collaboration with other organizations is not easy. This sparked my curiosity and interest in gaining a deeper understanding and knowledge in this area.

Why is your research needed?

Orchestrating network development, strategic collaborations, innovation, and business model innovations in both private and public contexts is complex and challenging but often crucial for effectively utilizing existing resources. Increased globalization, demands for collaboration, sustainability, and efficiency, coupled with growing complexity and a focus on change capability, make collaboration a central success factor for companies, as well as public organizations, interest groups, etc.

How do you allocate your time between research and teaching?

I divide my time between teaching and research based on ongoing research projects, and I try to involve students in the projects whenever possible.

What does your dream job look like?

I believe I have the best job in the world. It is free, diverse, developmental, challenging, and enables many interesting and stimulating meetings, exchanges, and connections. The privilege of meeting students, accompanying them, and contributing to their development also feels invaluable.