Grete Rusten as supervisor

Information about research interests and master project proposals

Grete Rusten is professor i Economic Geography at University of Bergen.

My research profile with my own publications, teaching and supervision includes the company's geography, location strategies, production systems and the organization of working life, industrial and regional development, service economy, industrial design, entrepreneurship and innovations, green economy, sustainable development and circular economy. The research field has mainly focused on Norway/Western economies. Below are suggestions for topics for possible master's theses.

Topic 1: Development of industrial symbioses - a study of opportunities and challenges for regional development in Årdal

Industrial symbioses are seen as a strategy where companies within a geographical area are able to exchange materials, energy and water, but also share infrastructure and knowledge related to production processes.  

These arrangements require collaboration and coordination. It is also relevant to investigate how such initiatives depend on, but also affect the local context they are part of. Several of the major industrial initiatives in the green shift planned in our region have the symbiosis approach as their starting point.  This master's thesis will is planned as a collaboration with Årdal Utvikling which will fund fieldwork expenses.

Topic 2: Coworking and business development

Co-working spaces where people with different types of connections to working life come together is a growing phenomenon in the way individuals and companies organize their work. This master's thesis will deal with coworking as a new form of organization of working life and where companies and the business development perspective are particularly emphasized.  The topic is part of an ongoing research field within the coworking theme.

Topic 3: Plastics in the loop

Countries in Europe have launched action plans for a circular economy to ensure that resources are used and kept in production system for as long as possible. This topic aim to address companies`life cycle thinking throughout the value chain from sourcing, disposal and recycling of plastics. The topic is relevant for different industrial and geographical contexts.

The master's thesis project can be connected to the Plastics Network for researchers and students at University of Bergen, a community which covers a wide range of topics and disciplines.

Topic 4: Industrial development and nature conflicts 

Our Society is experiencing a comprehensive green and digital transition with many new major plans for industrial establishments in the years to come. A good number of these investments are very land-intensive, with the result that natural areas are being built down and fragmented. How we should organise ourselves to best solve these types of dilemmas, are relevant topics in relation to our responsibility for nature, social development, regulations and planning.

A master’s project can a discussion about of how establishments create a basis for future jobs and green technology solutions, but at the same time causes that nature are being destroyed

Do not hesitate to contact me if you might be interested discuss your master project plans related to the mentioned topics  or other related issues with me.  Master projects may be in Norwegian or English.

Contact details:  Grete.Rusten@uib.no