From one great institution to another...

In 2015, fully aware of the achievements of Norway's maritime, offshore & energy industry, I joined Innovation Norway (IN) to do some meaningful work, learn more about technology development for environmental sustainability, Norway’s welfare state model and egalitarian values.

and what an incredible journey it has been....

To be associated with world’s best cluster ecosystem and finest minds in the field of clean technologies, policy, maritime & energy industry and international cooperation was the most rewarding part of my stint at IN. As a member of Team Norway, I got the opportunity to work with colleagues from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry & Fisheries and IN across the world.

On the Indian side, it was a privilege to work closely with Central Ministries, authorities in different states as well as policy makers, industry leaders, scientists, tech-experts and entrepreneurs. Glad that I could make my own little contribution to India - Norway collaboration for Energy Transition & development of Blue Economy. 

Special thanks to Mr. Helge Tryti for being a great mentor, guide, colleague and manager; IN Management, especially Asia Head Ole Henaes, Cristian Valdes Carter and others who supported me throughout. If I could deliver something, that's because of enabling & supportive work environment at IN.

Industry has very important role to play in furthering international cooperation..... I learned a lot from several business leaders about financing of projects & technology cooperation to achieve UNSDGs.

Also, I take this opportunity to thank colleagues from Royal Norwegian Embassy in Delhi, Consulate General in Mumbai, NBAI, NICCI for supporting me during my stint. Over last 6 years, I travelled across Norway to meet businesses; in the process made lots of friends & understood the glorious maritime traditions.

This was highly enriching experience that will help me in future as well....

More than ever, we need economic growth that is inclusive & sustainable; energy transition is a necessity but energy justice is a priority to bring millions out of poverty & hunger; technology & adequate finance isn’t flowing to developing & least developed countries where it’s needed the most. Lack of right policies & absence of robust institutions is a big obstacle to development, which can be addressed through better coordination, cooperation & communication among different stakeholders. 

Looking forward to next one year at Columbia University - School of International & Public Affairs to hone my policy making skills, develop insights into welfare economics, meet people doing fantastic work in these areas and prepare myself for a role at the intersection of policy, technology, finance and international cooperation for more sustainable, inclusive world....

by Pankaj | Columbia - SIPA, New York

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