Mr. Stølan holds an M.Sc. degree from the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH), in technical-economic planning in regional and urban areas. His Master’s thesis focused on Regional and Local Economic Impacts of Petrochemical Industrialization.

He is the founder and CEO of International Development Norway. In the period 1997-2008, he was the Research Director at three different SINTEF departments (Applied Economics, Logistics & Economics, and International Operations), one of the largest Scandinavian research institutes.  As a researcher on “commercialization of technology,” he was engaged at Surrey Technology Center, Surrey University, Guildford UK, 2003-2004. He also has experience as an Assistant Professor, at the Department of Economic and Operations Research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

Mr. Stølan has extensive international experience in project development management and consulting, local economic development, innovation, and transnational technology transfer. More than 20 years of practice experience in delivering and managing SME innovation and competitiveness actions. In total more than 12 years of experience in building up and managing research activities in SINTEF and coming competencies in terms of R&D and innovation within Norway, Europe, and developing countries. Direct access to numerous institutions and networks regarding technology innovation, innovative SMEs, regional development, and science and technology policy. Experience in managing projects funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA), EU funded: Framework Programs, Competitiveness Innovation Programs (CIP), and EEA grants.

Graduate from International Relations faculty at the University of Wrocław, Administration at Law and Administration Faculty at the University of Warsaw in progress. International experience in development, management and implementation of projects related to technology transfer, innovation and SME support, funded by public mechanism, mainly from EU Structural Funds and EEA FM projects. Expertise in feasibility studies, application and tendering documentation Experience in running commercial entities in international environment.

Rita Anson has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Labour Law from Zaragoza University (Spain).

She is in charge of Business and Entrepreneurship training and mentoring at IDN.

As Project Manager Rita coordinates the communication between beneficiaries and the partners. She collects and structures information from the beginning of the project until the completion of the project and communicates with the beneficiary about the training sessions, validating results and collaborating extensively with experts and companies. She takes part in the process of structuring deliverables in the training sessions and plans/organizes study trips and workshops in Norway and abroad.

Other positions/roles:

Program Manager at Oslo International Hub – Facilitating training programs and events in Norway and delivering courses on entrepreneurship training (Investment readiness, Pitching training, Startup guidance for migrants, Entrepreneurial Orientation) to strengthen individuals in the Nordics on how to establish their own company, guiding and helping professionals and young entrepreneurs in the innovation eco-system, to set a network and to get introduced to investors, guiding and helping professionals and entrepreneurs in the innovation ecosystem

Secretary General at NorBAN. Expert consultant and Project Manager as head of program coordination for business angels training and startups, helping to create arenas where angel investors and entrepreneurs/companies meet. Delivering courses for new angel investors in startup investment strategies, covering the evaluation of startups, and creating local networks.

Co-founder Nordic Ignite. Management team member as investment dealflow pre-screening team responsible for the initial due diligence of ventures.

Co-founder WIN Women Investor Network Norway. Empowering women to strengthen their financial position, with programs to learn how to invest in startups, and by providing an arena for women to evaluate investment opportunities and invest together.

Mari Stølan is a Norwegian cultural strategist and executive advisor with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of culture, design, business and public institutions. She specializes in strategic development, international partnerships and cross-sector collaboration, with methodological expertise in user- and insight-driven development, design thinking and participatory processes. Prior to joining IDN Norway as an affiliated partner, Mari led strategic development at MUNCH museum in Oslo, where she developed the museum’s international strategy and established partnerships across Europe. She contributes to international cooperation projects with expertise in cultural strategy, user engagement, institutional development and knowledge exchange.

Mila have a Masters Degree in International Economics School of Economics, University of Belgrade 2010, and Executive Masters in International and European Relations & Management Amsterdam School of International Relations, University of Amsterdam. Member of the Management Board, Foundation for Management and Industrial Research, Skopje, Macedonia.

More than 15 years of professional experience in development, management, evaluation and impact analysis of international donor funded projects related to competitiveness, innovation and technology transfer. Expertise in sector analysis and market assessments.

Experience in designing innovation and SME strategies, operational programs, actions and instruments for their implementation.

More than 10 years of professional experience in development, management, evaluation and impact analysis of international donor funded projects. Specific experience: Norway, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Moldova, Armenia, Ukraine, Albania, Kosovo, Afghanistan (deskwork). Experience of conducting SMEs needs analysis, designing, organizing and providing trainings related to financial modules. More than 10 years experience of institutional capacity building, designing strategies, operational programs, actions and instruments for their implementation.

M.Sc Forestry, Forest owner, Senior Consultant. Expert in land use planning, property development, construction management, forest management, forest certification and project management. Experiences from Norway, Slovakia, Serbia, North Macedonia and Bulgaria.

Manage 800 ha privately owned forest property. Develop parts of the property to areas for recreational use. Responsible for development and management for wastewater treatment solution for 600 recreational houses.

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Master of Science in Energy Systems and Environment, University of Teheran. Experiences in Photovoltaic Energy System Analysis for Manufacturing Industry. Solar Hotwater Systems for Public Buildings.

Jana has a Master Degree in Economics and management of SMEs from the University of Matej Bel – Faculty of Economics. She is currently engaged as Project Manager at Intech Slovakia and in charge of preparation and execution of EEAgrants project in the Slovak energy sector, Internal quality auditing and Preparation of public procurement proposals. Her former engagements have been in Ind Consultant, Allexis s.r.o., Neulogy a.a. and Regional Advisory and Information Centre Presov. 

She has been in charge of complex business development consultancy (preparation of business plan, R&D project implementation management, coordination and problem solving of various business/project issues), evaluation of business ideas investment attractivity, preparation of analysis of the strategic development of selected R&D center of excellence in Slovakia, realization of technology audit (Projects, Academia & Business Partnerships, Organization) of selected Slovak universities and project preparation assistance related to the EU and national programmes aiming at R&D and Innovation support and development of knowledge society.

Carol has a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from ESPM in Porto Alegre, Brazil. After three years working in different positions in companies / organizations like Hyundai, AIESEC and PwC she did her M.Sc in Globalization, Politics and Culture at NTNU in Trondheim, Norway. From August – December 2016 she did a 30 ECTS internship at IDN as part of her Master Program. Building on that she now in charge of  developing the inclusion dimension in our projects in general and spesific projects focusing on social development.

Dr. Prof. Igor Podoliev is an experience diplomat, international banker, politician and academician. With over 10 years in banking, 5 years in diplomacy, 15 years in public service and 10 years in academia.

Past experience:

> Pell Frischmann Consulting Engineers LTD – Senior Advisor (2011 – 2015, London, UK)

> International Acadamy of Finance and Investment – Rector (2011 – 2014, Kiev, Ukraine)

> European Bank for Reconstruction and Development – Executive Director for Ukraine/Romania/Moldova/Georgia/Armenia (2005 – 2011, London, UK)

> JSC “The State Export-Import Bank of Ukraine” – First Deputy Chariman of the Board (2002-2005, Kiev, Ukraine)

> Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Finland (1997 – 2002, Helsinki, Finland)

> Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade of Ukraine – First Deputy Minister (1994-1997, Kiev, Ukraine)

> Administration of the President of Ukraine – Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Finance and Banking Policy (1992-1994, Kiev, Ukraine)

> Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine – Advisor to the Prime Minister of Ukraine (1990-1992, Kiev, Ukraine)

Interested in rural and regional development, combining natural and human resources creating economic growth and meaningful employment. Is concerned about today’s situation with high youth unemployment in Europe. Nevertheless a true believer in Democracy that likes to use his experience to take part in designing and creating cooperative arenas which can inspire and enable entrepreneurs and other energetic people to meet their challenges together. Builds businesses, create companies and solve problems in an economically and environmentally sound way.

His long work experience include developing new technology in Norwegian R&D institutions, management of food processing industry, executive positions in the mass media sector and in several private and public institutions supporting innovation.

Mr Ystgaard has devoted a large part of his career to regional development and has been instrumental in designing and implementing several successful programs for regional economic growth in Norway. He invented the Norwegian Technology Incubator Program, and the very successful network of rural innovation centers called “Næringshager” (literally “Business Gardens”).

In addition to his work in Norway Mr.Ystgaard has been active internationally as well. In cooperation with various Norwegian governmental entities, he has designed and implemented aid financed programs for support of innovation and economic growth in countries like Bosnia Herzegovina, Macedonia, Croatia, Ukraine, Latvia and Moldova.

Mr. Ystgaard is retired from his position as Executive Vice President of the Norwegian state owned corporation Siva. (The Industrial Development Corporation of Norway). He is now acting as a Special Advisor within Innovation support systems to IDN.

Jonathan Kifunda – Graduate from the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) in Business Administration and Project Management and University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania with a bachelor of Education, Jonathan Kifunda, a proud African development professional with a passion for local solutions to local challenges, has committed to himself and communities at large to solving various problems such as provision of Financial Education and Economic Empowerment and wellbeing. Jonathan has managed several large and small projects successfully.  He has good experience in organizational development and leadership, fundraising, and an outstanding track record in managing all types of resources. He has worked in a cultural diversity team and is very flexible and team-driven.

Immaculate Deus Komba is a sustainability professional with over five years of experience in project management in Tanzania. She holds a Master of Science in Globalization and Sustainable Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management, which gives her strong expertise and passion in climate change, sustainability, energy transition, environmental management, and sustainability reporting. Immaculate has a proven track record of developing and implementing projects that address the unique needs of African communities while effectively engaging stakeholders. With extensive networks across Africa and experience managing large donor-funded programs, including USAID and EU, she combines analytical problem-solving skills with a deep commitment to driving sustainable and positive change.

Tajiel Urioh is a professional with over a decade of practical, multi-cultural working experience on climate and carbon policy, energy transition, project management, and complex consultancy. He has worked with the Government, Private Sector and NGOs.

He has established strong connections with policymakers and the private sector across Africa. Tajiel has been participating in UNFCCC climate negotiations since 2014, with a focus on climate finance and cooperation.

Beyond awards and achievements, in 2018, Tajiel planted a Redwood tree at Appalachian State University – USA, named the “Taj Tree” in honor of Urioh’s climate action efforts.

Field of expertise:

• Development of strategies and operational plans using a participatory approach
• Participatory governance methods
• Research on the circular economy, entrepreneurship, and innovation
• Evaluation of strategies and programs for enterprise competitiveness, innovation, and knowledge transfer.

Professional experiences:

• Vice-president of the Management Board Mazovia Science and Technology
• Head of the Unit of Innovation and Development, Department of Regional Development and European Funds, Office of the Marshal of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, Warsaw, Poland
• Chief expert in the Unit of Coordination and Evaluation of Programs co-financed by the European Union, Department of Strategy and Regional Development, Office of the Marshal of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, Warsaw, Poland
• Coordinator of the Team for promotion of social dialogue and monitoring of social conflicts, Department of Dialogue and Social Partnership, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Warsaw, Poland

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Sociology from Collegium Civitas, Warsaw.

Enayatullah Mujaddidi is engaged with IDN to develop the new project concept ‘’Entrepreneurship’’ to help immigrant to start their own business in Norway (Trondheim). Before joining IDN, Enayatullah has worked in different projects and programs like rule of law program, community governance, urban governance, and livelihood. He worked with different international organisations like Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, UNDP (United Nation Development Program), Norwegian Rule of Law program, People in Need organization for 15 years in Afghanistan.

Enayatullah Mujaddidi graduated from Law and Political Science faculty.

Trond has a Master’s Degree in Forestry with specialization in operation from The Norwegian University of Life Science. He is the owner of Varmeteknikk AS doing planning, construction and operation of Bioenergy plants.

He is also General Manager in Mistberget Biovarme AS and its district heating facility Råholt Varmesentral. Head of the Bio Energy Program in Innovation Norway 2005-2010. Chief of Hurdal Municipality 2003-2004. County Forestry Director in Oslo and Akershus 2000-2002.

Silvia has a Master in Textile Engineering from the Technical University of Iasi in Romania. Silvia has over the years performed managerial roles at an international level, working both strategically and operationally as team leader in Romania and as plant manager in Tunisia. She has an extensive hands-on experience with capacity building and project management within manufacturing industry, having managed the elaboration and implementation of projects funded through EU development programmes in North Africa.

Silvia Endresen has advised leading companies within fashion industry in Sweden, and held the role of production manager with premium brands in Denmark and Norway. In Norway she incorporated aspects of sustainability into sourcing and production. Silvia also dedicated time to develop and launch a sustainable shirt brand called ULV, a start-up that she runs in parallel to her collaborations as a consultant.

Her professional interest is currently oriented on applying her experience to designing, planning and implementing projects to greening the manufacturing industry with a focus on the textile and fashion industry.

Leif has an M.Sc. in Mechanical and Production Engineering at the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH), 1971-74, with specialization in Production Engineering and Material Technology. Head of the Norwegian User Group of Numerically Controlled Machine Tools (CNC) since 1990. Current position as Senior Advisor (80%) at SINTEF Technology and Society, Trondheim, Norway. Former positions at SINTEF, NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Fraunhofer, UNDP, UNIDO.

Main project contributions:

VRI (Program for Regional R&D and Innovation). Since 2007 to present Senior Adviser and Broker to assist companies in defining the R&D challenges and needs, and in finding suitable researcher expertise.

> Project manager of IDESØK9 – a regional and company specific innovation and network program with 8 companies from the counties Oppland and Hedmark.

> Technology attaché in the national technology transfer programs DTS (Districts Technology Transfer) in the region of North-Norway in 1992-1993 (Troms and Finnmark).

> TEFT (Technology Transfer from R&D Institutes to Small and Medium Sized Companies) in the region of Mid-Norway in 1994-1996 (Sør- and Nord-Trøndelag), South-Norway in 1997-1998 (Buskerud and Østfold) and East-Norway in 1999-2003 (Oppland and Hedmark). The last-mentioned also in 2004 financed by Innovation Norway.
R&D based Competence Broking for SMEs. Adviser in a national program 2005-2007.

> VRI (Program for Regional R&D and Innovation). Since 2007 Senior Adviser and Broker to assist companies in defining the R&D challenges and needs, and in finding suitable researcher expertise.

> IRC Norway collaborator with responsibility for the region of Oppland, Hedmark, Østfold and Buskerud since April 2004 to April 2008.

> Europe Enterprise Network. Norwegian Senior Counselor since April 2008.

> Technology Adviser in TIDE (Technology for Industrial Development in Zimbabwe). A NORAD supported project in Zimbabwe in 1995-2001 aiming to boost the national R&D Institute SIRDC to effectively work with Zimbabwean industries. The project was split into two main phases: Initiation and Implementation. The Initial Phase included program development, training of scientists at SIRDC, and selecting a target group of companies for the Project Phase. In the latter implementation of agreed projects in the companies were conducted heavily involving SIRDC scientists (“on the job training”).

> Technology Adviser in SME-ART-project which addresses the needs of the SME-sector in Macedonia (2001-2004), where the universities in collaboration with government and SMEs together strive to better support the SME sector. Synergies between the proposed activities were given priority. The project was financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and executed by SINTEF in close cooperation with the university community in Macedonia.

Cand.Polit (master) in geography at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Several years international experience within the field of relief and development from UN and international NGOs in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia. Expertise in project management, project development and implementation, external affairs, donor relations, coordination and partnership building.

Mariusz Wozniak is an energy expert with a focus on LED solutions. Experience: (2019 – ongoing): National Institute of Energetical Efficiency (KIEE) – Chairman of the Board – cooperation with local self-government units and private sector companies dealing with projects concerning energetical efficiency (lighting systems modernization, PV installations, balancing of the energy consumption, electrical plants modernization. (2015 – 2019): „ATON” Foundation of Lighting Revitalization – Chairman of the Board – cooperation with local self-government units dealing with projects concerning lighting systems modernization (contact, preparing of presentations, auditory estimations, tender procedure preparing and conducting, negotiations with distribution network operators, securing the financing of the project – TPF, ESCO, PPP, leasing). Emerging projects financed from savings with no need to possess extra funds at the start. (2006 – 2007): Deputy Mayor in Zielona Gora – responsible for cooperation with entrepreneurs, commune investments, gaining of investors, transportation and promotion. (2005-2006): Projects Manager Assistant – ESF-based projects managing, logistics, coaching, and contra-coaching at workshops and training. (2002 -2005): Deputy Mayor in Zary – responsible for education, culture, social matters, development of the town, and revitalization.

Ruxandra Ionce, MSc,  is specialised in Environmental Geography, having graduated from the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Iași. Her research in the field of Earth Sciences, with a particular emphasis on abandoned mining sites from the North East region of Romania, was published in established national and international science journals and is complemented by practical experience in project implementation and management both in the NGO and industrial sector. Her main focus areas are: contaminated mining sites, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management and geopolitics of natural resources.

Håvard has a master’s degree in European Studies from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. His thesis centred around the EU cohesion policy and the EEA-grants. He started with an internship at IDN in 2022 and is now engaged as Project and Quality Controller

Angela has a bachelor’s degree in Agro-industrial engineering from San Buenaventura University in Cali-Colombia. She has some years of working experience in the Colombian manufacturing sector, specifically in quality control and production areas in food companies, as well as experience working on the development of projects within pharmaceutical companies. She has a MSc in Project management with a specialization in Industrial engineering at NTNU in Trondheim, Norway. From August to December 2019 she enrolled at IDN as an intern, where she worked on the development of Norwegian-Colombian partnerships projects.

Postgraduate Specialization in International Commercial Contract Law; Thesis for MSC Consumer Protection in preparation; Bar Exam, BA in Law. Experience in: international projects and organizations, governmental bodies; project development, consulting; legal framework development and internationalization in SMEE sector; establishing business incubators & clusters; analyzing and drafting of legislation, entrepreneurial training development; institutional & capacity building.