James Tommy Karlsen

• Karlsen, James Tommy (2025). Development of process awareness - Reflections from a Regional Co-Creation Process. I Canto, Patricia & Estensoro, Miren (Red.), The Evolution of Action Research for Territorial Development: Nurturing an intergenerational and multicultural environment. Universidad de Deusto - Dpto. de Publicaciones. ISSN 9788413252513. s. 19–32. doi: 10.18543/DHFW6722. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This chapter examines students’ experience from participating in regional co-creation processes with other students and regional actors. Students need practical experiences in real-time interactions with regional actors. Said experiences take place in real time and are built in dialogue among actors with different interests, experience and knowledge. Within the research, the aim was to design a course for students and regional actors as both participants and co-learners. Since as co-learners, students must develop process awareness, the following research question emerges: How is process awareness developed in a cocreation process with students and regional actors? A theoretical basis for developing process awareness is the creation of dedicated learning arenas, designed with a specific purpose, where open and democratic dialogue can take place, promoting understanding of the process in which students are engaged. The key themes for developing process awareness are: i) the importance of navigating chaos, complexity, and tensions, ii) the importance of clarifying the process, iii) and understanding the nature of the unfinished result.

• Karlsen, James Tommy (2025). Navigating grand challenges – the challenge of transforming the petroleum sector in Norway. I Karlsen, James Tommy; Rypestøl, Jan Ole & Trippl, Michaela (Red.), Sustainable regional restructuring: Insights from economic geography and regional innovation studies. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISSN 9781035330782. s. 163–178. doi: 10.4337/9781035330799.00018. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This chapter explores the complexities of addressing grand challenges within Norway's petroleum sector. Utilising concepts such as grand challenges, wicked problems, innovation, and agency, it analyses how Norway navigates between substantive and procedural policy actions in balancing economic growth through petroleum production with environmental sustainability. Despite efforts like investments in renewable energy and ambitious climate targets, alongside stricter regulations and economic incentives, Norway maintains significant fossil fuel production. This reflects a prioritisation of economic interests over fully meeting the Paris Agreement goals, highlighting an interplay between change and reproductive agency. The electrification of oil and gas installations reduces CO2 emissions but simultaneously prolongs the petroleum sector, introducing new environmental and social challenges, including conflicts with indigenous Sámi communities. Norway's struggle exemplifies the need for transformative change and a shift towards sustainable industries to effectively address grand challenges and wicked problems posed by climate change.

• Karlsen, James Tommy (2025). Hvordan kan glimt fra en samskapingsprosess være relevant som praksis? I Örtenblad, Anders & Rypestøl, Jan Ole (Red.), Praksisorientert og studentaktiv læring: Arbeidslivsrelevans og akademiske verdier i høyere utdanning. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202870478. s. 283–300. doi: 10.23865/cdf.244.ch11. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Higher education institutions face the challenge of integrating more practical elements into their regular study programmes in response to demands from the labour market. There are various approaches to organising such practical experience, one of which is co-generation of knowledge. As a practice involves organising real-life cases as a method to give students insight into actual business development processes. This chapter examines a collaboration between students and representatives from the municipalities in Østre Agder Næringsforum. Through their involvement in the co-generation process with business developers, local politicians, and representatives from various organisations in the region, students apply their theoretical knowledge and acquire practical insights. Although co-generation of knowledge is demanding, it offers a unique opportunity for enhanced learning, as students must be proactive throughout the process and critically reflect on their experiences in their written exam assignments.

• Karlsen, James Tommy (2024). The Complexity of Co-Generative Learning Between University and Regional Actors. Systemic Practice and Action Research. ISSN 1094-429X. doi: 10.1007/s11213-024-09684-0. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Hildebrandt, Clare Roberta Louise (2023). Temporality in Co-generative Processes: Reframing Time in Territorial Complexity. Systemic Practice and Action Research. ISSN 1094-429X. doi: 10.1007/s11213-023-09634-2. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Action research provides fertile grounds for co-generation of knowledge in complex contexts and to be present in the becoming of the process. Time and temporality warrant explanation and distinction, and in retrospective a process can be described with temporal phases, such as planning, observation, action, reflection, evaluation, and modification. Such a description may appear rational, sequential, and linear. However, an action research process is not that! This paper explores the various positionalities of the action researcher, as an insider in a process of becoming, showing how time and temporality can be made explicit in the evolution of an action research process. Our contributions to the action research literature concerning co-generation of knowledge when addressing territorial complexity are: (1) an explicit awareness of temporality provides the opportunity for research on evolvement of processes from the inside, (2) presence in the becoming of a process means there is a unique possibility for reflection and iteration, (3) research in the present tense allows for insight into unexpected developments that create the foundation for future action, as an alternative to retrospective process evaluation, and (4) modelling the process creates a narrative which tells the story of evolution of the process over time.

• Karlsen, James Tommy & Pinheiro, Romulo (2022). Emergent Strategies and Tensions between Decoupled University Structures and Management Initiatives. I Iakovleva, Tatiana Aleksandrovna; Thomas, Elisa; Berg, Laila Margaret Nordstrand; Pinheiro, Romulo & Benneworth, Paul (Red.), Universities and regional engagement : From the exceptional to the everyday. Routledge. ISSN 9780367713072. s. 140–155. doi: 10.4324/9781003150299. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This chapter investigates the ways in which a Norwegian university located in a region facing a series of socio-economic challenges devised and implemented a new strategy. More specifically, we examine the dilemmas and tensions faced by university actors in articulating a shared strategic platform bridging internal (university) aspirations with external (regional actors and ministry) demands and expectations. The chapter adopts a historical institutionalist perspective using institutional logics as the conceptual lens against which the case data are interpreted. The findings provide fresh evidence of the complexity associated with strategic processes within highly institutionalized organizations like universities. Strategic orientations were found to adopt emergent rather than deliberative patterns. Challenges associated with the institutionalization of the co-creation of knowledge vision at the University of Agder resulted from the clashes between the different logics and behavioural postures associated with the main actors involved in the strategy process.

• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2021). Action Research as a Methodology for the construction of territorial leadership. I Sotarauta, Markku & Beer, Andrew (Red.), City and regional leadership. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISSN 9781788979672. s. 324–343. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Larrea, Miren & Karlsen, James Tommy (2021). Think tanks for a new generation of regional innovation policies. European Planning Studies. ISSN 0965-4313. doi: 10.1080/09654313.2021.1985085. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  ABSTRACT Regional innovation policy, and related research, are being pressurized to transform by today’s grand societal challenges. Our paper acknowledges the efforts of authors in this field to address this pressure and addresses how new emergent framings of innovation policy can be operationalized in practice. We explore how co-generative research can help achieve this and share the case of a think tank in the Basque Country (Spain) which we describe as a hybrid space because of the way researchers and policy makers work together. The case is then used to revisit the methodology that researchers have used for co-generation (action research for territorial development) and to upgrade this methodology with a new concept, an action research think tank. The final discussion goes beyond action research and the case study, to look at how co-generation can improve learning processes between policy makers and researchers in the field.

• Karlsen, James Tommy (2020). Studenter som aktører i regionale samskapingsprosesser – en ny form for praksis? I Gjøtterud, Sigrid; Hiim, Hilde; Husebø, Dag & Jensen, Liv Helene (Red.), Aksjonsforskning i Norge : Grunnlagstenkning forskerroller og bidrag til endring i ulike kontekster : volum 2. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202652296. s. 463–485. doi: 10.23865/noasp.121.ch17. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This chapter examines the students’ role in regional co-creation processes as a new form of internship. The main argument is that students outside the traditional profession-oriented educational programs in health, social work and teacher education training curriculums, such as master-level students in innovation and knowledge development studies, need practical experiences in real-time interactions with regional actors. Practical experiences are in-the-moment practices constructed in dialogues between actors with different interests and knowledge. Within the research, the aim was to design a course where students and regional actors are both participants and co-learners. As co-learners, it is necessary for students to develop process awareness. The research question is: how is process awareness constructed between students and regional actors? A theoretical grounding for building process awareness is to create learning arenas with specific purpose and democratic dialogue in which to develop process awareness. The key findings from our action research dialogues are: i) the uniqueness of real-life challenges experienced in the co-creation processes with regional actors is difficult to replicate in the classroom (on campus); specifically, relational tensions and/or conflicts-of-interest can only be witnessed real-time, ii) the need to make explicit the time dimension of the co-creation process, and iii) the need to make explicit the evolving (unfinished) work in the co-creation process.

• Arrona, Ainhoa; Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2020). Policy Learning in Regions: the Potential of Co-generative Research Methodologies to Help Responsible Innovation. I Gonzalez-Lopez, Manuel & Asheim, Bjørn Terje (Red.), Regions and Innovation Policies in Europe: Learning from the Margins. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISSN 9781789904154. s. 46–65. doi: 10.4337/9781789904161.00008. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2020). Students as territorial development actors: The importance of developing awareness. I Larrea, Miren (Red.), Roots and Wings of Action Research for Territorial Development Connecting local transformation and international collaborative learning. Universidad de Deusto - Dpto. de Publicaciones. ISSN 9788413250984. s. 135–146. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2019). En diskusjon om universitetets tredje rolle. I Knudsen, Jon Paschen & Lauvdal, Torunn (Red.), Geografi, kunnskap, vitenskap: Den regionale UH-sektorens framvekst og betydning. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202632571. s. 195–217. doi: 10.23865/noasp.73. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2019). Does a Responsible University Need a Third Mission? I Sørensen, Mads P.; Geschwind, Lars; Kekäle, Jouni & Pinheiro, Romulo (Red.), The Responsible University: Exploring the Nordic Context and Beyond. Palgrave Macmillan. ISSN 9783030256456. s. 173–199. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-25646-3_7. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2018). Regional Innovation System as a Framework for the Co-Generation of Policy: an Action Research Approach. I Isaksen, Arne; Martin, Roman & Trippl, Michaela (Red.), New Avenues for Regional Innovation Systems - Theoretical Advances, Empirical Cases and Policy Lessons. Springer Nature. ISSN 9783319716602. s. 257–274. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-71661-9_13. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2018). ‘Strange bird’: A peripheral university college in a complex, peripheral region. I Benneworth, Paul (Red.), Universities and Regional Economic Development : Engaging with the Periphery. Routledge. ISSN 9781138051270. s. 58–75. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2018). What can a small university college do? I Pinheiro, Romulo; Young, Mitchell & Šima, Karel (Red.), Higher Education and Regional Development : Tales from Northern and Central Europe. Palgrave Macmillan. ISSN 9783319786438. s. 111–134. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-78643-8_5. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Benneworth, Paul; Zeeman, N.; Pinheiro, Romulo & Karlsen, James Tommy (2017). National higher education policies challenging universities’ regional engagement activities. Ekonomiaz : Revista Vasca de Economía. ISSN 0213-3865. 92(2), s. 113–139. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Billington, Mary Genevieve; Karlsen, James Tommy; Mathisen, Line & Pettersen, Inger Beate (2017). Unfolding the relationship between resilient firms and the region. European Planning Studies. ISSN 0965-4313. 25(3), s. 425–442. doi: 10.1080/09654313.2016.1276886. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This research explores organizational resilience in four manufacturing firms in four different regions of Norway. While regional resilience has gained attention in research, there have been few studies with a micro-level focus, investigating firms and their distinctive features of resilience. We chose a qualitative multiple-case study approach and employed a critical incident technique to study resilience in selected firms that had experienced external shocks and shifts in regard to changing markets, globalization and advances in technology. Each,however, had managed to continually develop resilience capacity over time. Our framework considered three dimensions of organizational resilience: the cognitive, the behavioural and the contextual. We address how resilience is sustained over time, the evolutionary nature of organizational resilience in firms and how resilient firms relate to the region. We found that all three dimensions of resilience capacity were evident in each firm, but appeared as a complex and unique blend. Furthermore, each dimension was supported by regional ties and affiliations. The findings suggest that organizational resilience is a dynamic capability conditioned by firm–region interactions, which are cultural, social and economic. Regional resilience is built through the contribution of the firm to the economic and social systems of the region.

• Benneworth, Paul; Pinheiro, Romulo & Karlsen, James Tommy (2017). Strategic agency and institutional change: investigating the role of universities in regional innovation systems (RISs). Regional studies. ISSN 0034-3404. 51(2), s. 235–248. doi: 10.1080/00343404.2016.1215599. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pinheiro, Romulo; Karlsen, James Tommy; Kohoutek, Jan & Young, Mitchell (2017). Universities' Third Mission: Global Discourses and National Imperatives. Higher Education Policy. ISSN 0952-8733. 30(4), s. 425–442. doi: 10.1057/s41307-017-0057-5. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy; Beseda, Jan; Šima, Karel & Zyzak, Barbara (2017). Outsiders or Leaders? The Role of Higher Education Institutions in the Development of Peripheral Regions. Higher Education Policy. ISSN 0952-8733. 30(4), s. 463–479. doi: 10.1057/s41307-017-0065-5. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Kyllingstad, Nina; Karlsen, James Tommy; Smidova, Mikaela & Smidova, Olga (2017). Regional Development: Lifelong Learning as a Priority in Norway and the Czech Republic? Higher Education Policy. ISSN 0952-8733. 30(4), s. 499–516. doi: 10.1057/s41307-017-0060-x. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2016). Collective knowing. I Johnsen, Hans Christian Garman; Hauge, Elisabeth S.; Magnussen, May-Linda & Ennals, Richard (Red.), Applied social science research in a regional knowledge system. Routledge. ISSN 9781472487827. s. 75–89. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2016). Moving context from the background to the forefront of policy learning: Reflections on a case in Gipuzkoa, Basque Country. Environment and Planning. C, Government and Policy. ISSN 0263-774X. 10(2). doi: 10.1177/0263774X16642442. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Isaksen, Arne & Karlsen, James Tommy (2016). Innovation in peripheral regions. I Shearmur, Richard; Carrincazeaux, Christophe & Doloreux, David (Red.), Handbook on the Geographies of Innovation. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISSN 9781784710767. s. 277–285. doi: 10.4337/9781784710774.00030. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Flåten, Bjørn-Tore; Isaksen, Arne & Karlsen, James Tommy (2015). Competitive firms in thin regions in Norway: The importance of workplace learning. Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift. ISSN 0029-1951. 69(2), s. 102–111. doi: 10.1080/00291951.2015.1016875. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2014). The contribution of Action Research to policy learning: The case of Gipuzkoa Sarean. International Journal of Action Research. ISSN 1861-1303. 10(2), s. 129–155. doi: 10.1688/IJAR-2014-02-Karlsen. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This article is about a six year policy learning process named Gipuzkoa Sarean in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa. In the article we reflect on how action research contributed to policy learning. The process consists of three stages: 2009-2011: Initiation of the project and development of a work method / 2011-2013: Government learning and organisational change / 2013-2014: Social learning and the shift to a new approach to territorial development. For each stage we describe the background and main goal of the research project, the participants in policy learning, the work method and agenda, the status and roles of policy makers and researchers and the results. Our reflections on-action are used to discuss the conditions for social learning. Our argument is that the distinction between practice and praxis is crucial for understanding the conditions for social learning. Our use of the concept praxis is inspired by Paulo Freire and we interpret it as the connection of reflection and action in the same phase of the process. If they are separated into theory and practice they do not create the conditions for social learning in a policy process. They might create outcomes, such as recipes for policy or political discourses, but not social learning.

• Karlsen, James Tommy (2013). The Role of Anchor Companies in Thin Regional Innovation Systems Lessons from Norway. Systemic Practice and Action Research. ISSN 1094-429X. 26(1), s. 89–98. doi: 10.1007/s11213-012-9266-4. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy; Aranguren, Mari Jose; Larrea, Miren & Wilson, James R. (2013). The development of action research processes and their impacts on socio-economic development in the Basque Country. I Sugden, Roger; Valania, Marcela & Wilson, James R. (Red.), Leadership and Cooperation in Academia : Reflecting on the Roles and Responsibilities of University Faculty and Management. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISSN 9781781001813. s. 216–233. doi: 10.4337/9781781001820.00021. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2013). Innovasjon i offentlig sektor. I Abelsen, Birgit; Isaksen, Arne & Jakobsen, Stig-Erik (Red.), Innovasjon - organisasjon, region, politikk. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202383312. s. 101–123. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Isaksen, Arne & Karlsen, James Tommy (2013). Can small regions construct regional advantages? The case of four Norwegian regions. European Urban and Regional Studies. ISSN 0969-7764. 20(2), s. 243–257. doi: 10.1177/0969776412439200. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The conceptual framework of constructing regional advantage (CRA) is implicitly relevant for large, well-off regions that have strong regional innovation systems, a diversity of industrial sectors and resourceful firms that can partake in global knowledge networks. This paper discusses the extent to which small regions, with less developed regional innovation systems, may also constitute the basis for developing regional advantage. Four cases of regional industries dominated by different innovation modes make up the empirical test bed in the paper. The innovation modes are STI (science, technology, innovation), CCI (complex, combined innovation) and DUI (doing, using, interacting). With some reformulations, the CRA framework also is found to represent a useful conceptual construct for small regions. Adapting the CRA framework to small regions involves focusing more on increasing the innovation capabilities at the level of the firm – placing less emphasis on the endogenous capacity of regional innovation systems, but emphasising the importance of experience-based knowledge in local labour markets – and concentrating more on the need for a diversity of knowledge bases at the regional level. Policy lessons for constructing regional advantages in small regions should, in general, consider the upgrading of DUI firms and stimulating extra-regional links.

• Doloreux, David; Isaksen, Arne; Karlsen, James Tommy & Dionne, Steve (2012). Constructing regional advantage in non-metropolitan regions: A comparison between La Pocatiere (Canada) and Tromso (Norway). Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift. ISSN 0029-1951. 66(3), s. 144–154. doi: 10.1080/00291951.2012.681687. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The construction of regional advantage has recently been emphasized by scholars as a new way of increasing firms’ competitiveness in a globalizing and learning economy. This article compares the construction of regional advantage and the development paths of specific industries in two different types of non-metropolitan regions, La Pocatie`re in Canada and Tromsø in Norway. The authors observe a higher level of industrial dynamism in La Pocatie`re than in Tromsø. They find four explanations for this variation: (1) a narrower regional innovation system (RIS) in Tromsø; (2) the fact that the target industry in Tromsø (marine biotechnology) is, in general, more difficult to develop outside metropolitan regions than the diverse mechanical engineering industry found in La Pocatie`re; (3) a biased focus on the development of research-based knowledge and academic spin-offs in Tromsø compared with a more varied set of strategies used in La Pocatie`re; and (4) La Pocatie`re’s location in proximity to the Quebec metropolitan region.

• Aranguren, Mari Jose; Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2012). Regional Collaboration: The Glue that Makes Innovation Happen? I Johnsen, Hans Christian Garmann & Ennals, J.R. (Red.), Creating Collaborative Advantage : innovation and knowledge creation in regional economies. Gower Publishing Ltd.. ISSN 9781409403333. s. 123–138. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Isaksen, Arne & Karlsen, James Tommy (2012). What Is Regional in Regional Clusters? The Case of the Globally Oriented Oil and Gas Cluster in Agder, Norway. Industry and Innovation. ISSN 1366-2716. 19(3), s. 249–263. doi: 10.1080/13662716.2012.669616. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This paper focuses on the question to what extent knowledge sources in regional clusters stimulate the innovation activity of cluster firms. In doing so we contribute to the literature by combining two analytical approaches: by (1) distinguishing firms dominated by different innovation modes; and (2) differentiating between inter-organizational linkages and open knowledge environments as two distinct knowledge sources. Based on data from the Agder equipment supplier industry we demonstrate that mobility of labour, local buzz and inter-organizational linkages are key regional knowledge sources, but clearly more so for some types of firms than others.

• Isaksen, Arne & Karlsen, James Tommy (2012). Changing regional collaborative relations in a global economy - A case study of the oil and gas equipment supplier cluster in Agder. I Johnsen, Hans Christian Garmann & Ennals, J.R. (Red.), Creating Collaborative Advantage : innovation and knowledge creation in regional economies. Gower Publishing Ltd.. ISSN 9781409403333. doi: 10.1080/13662716.2012.669616. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy; Larrea, M. & Aranguren, Mari Jose (2012). New Policy Approaches to develop Innovative Territories: developing Trust and Behavioural Additionally in Gipuzkoa. I cooke, p; parilli, m.d & curbelo, j.s. (Red.), Innovation, Global Change and Territorial Resilience. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISSN 9780857935748. s. 150–165. doi: 10.4337/9780857935755.00014. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy; Larrea, Miren; Wilson, James R. & Aranguren, Mari Jose (2012). Bridging the Gap between Academic Research and Regional Development in the Basque Country. European Journal of Education. ISSN 0141-8211. 47(1), s. 122–138. doi: 10.1111/j.1465-3435.2011.01512.x. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2012). Emergence of shared leadership in situations of conflict - Mission impossible? Long-term experiences from a local policy network in the Basque Country, Leadership and Change in Sustainable Regional Development. Routledge. ISSN 9780415678940. s. 213–233. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Isaksen, Arne & Karlsen, James Tommy (2012). Combined and Complex Mode of Innovation in Regional Cluster Development: Analysis of the Light-Weight Material Cluster in Raufoss, Norway. I Asheim, Bjørn T. & Parrilli, Mario Davide (Red.), Interactive Learning for Innovation. A Key Driver within Clusters and Innovation Systems. Palgrave Macmillan. ISSN 9780230298767. s. 115–136. doi: 10.1057/9780230362420_6. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Aslesen, Heidi Wiig; Isaksen, Arne & Karlsen, James Tommy (2012). Modes of innovation and differentiated responses to globalisation - A case study of innovation modes in the Agder region, Norway. Journal of the Knowledge Economy. ISSN 1868-7865. 3(4), s. 389–405. doi: 10.1007/s13132-011-0060-9. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The main argument of this paper is that firms and industries are dominated by different innovation modes and that they therefore respond differently to challenges of globalisation. The paper differentiates between three modes: science, technology and innovation (STI), doing, using and interacting (DUI) application mode and the DUI technological mode. These innovation modes are based on different dominant knowledge bases, modes of learning and external knowledge. What is the implication of these differences with regard to competing in a global economy? Our empirical research shows that firms innovating according to the DUI application mode are in a position of negative lock-in due to severe competition from low-cost countries. The DUI technological mode firms are globally competitive due to a strong regional technological base built upon broad collaboration and a mixed innovation strategy. The STI firms are often part of international or national corporations, with a constant threat of being relocated to another country if they are not globally competitive.

• Karlsen, James; Isaksen, Arne & Spilling, Olav R (2011). The challenge of constructing regional advantages in peripheral areas: The case of marine biotechnology in Tromsø, Norway. Entrepreneurship and Regional Development. ISSN 0898-5626. 23(3-4), s. 235–257. doi: 10.1080/08985620903233945. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The idea of constructing regional advantage (CRA) has recently been emphasized by scholars as a new way for firms to gain competitiveness in a globalizing learning economy. The rationale behind the idea is that advantages in a regional industry can be constructed by proactive public-private partnership. This article uses, and examines the relevance of, the CRA framework in analysing the development and functioning of the marine biotechnology industry in Troms, which is a fairly peripheral region in Norway. Despite the fact that much effort has been put into education and R&D at the University of Troms and related research institutes, and the fact that many public policy tools have intended to create a blooming marine biotechnology industry in the area, the results have so far been meagre. This article explains the rather weak results in terms of the number of firms and jobs in the marine biotechnology industry in Troms as being due to a lack of synthetic knowledge on how to industrialize research results and little spillover of market knowledge. With regard to more general theoretical lessons linked to the CRA framework, this article argues for seeing the concept of related variety in a broader industrial and geographical sense in peripheral regions.

• Karlsen, James Tommy & Isaksen, Arne (2011). Det systemiske forskningsperspektivet på regionale innovasjonsprosesser. Utfordringer for regionale forskningsfond. I Johnsen, Hans Christian Garmann & PÅLSHAUGEN, Øyvind (Red.), Hva er innovasjon? Perspektiver i norsk innovasjonsforskning. Bind 1: system og institusjon. Cappelen Damm Høyskoleforlaget. ISSN 9788276349511. s. 196–218. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Isaksen, Arne & Karlsen, James Tommy (2011). Organisational Learning, Supportive Innovation Systems and Implications for Policy Formulation. Journal of the Knowledge Economy. ISSN 1868-7865. 2(4), s. 453–462. doi: 10.1007/s13132-011-0063-6. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James (2010). Regional complexity and the need for engaged governance. Ekonomiaz : Revista Vasca de Economía. ISSN 0213-3865. 74, s. 91–111. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Isaksen, Arne & Karlsen, James Tommy (2010). Different Modes of Innovation and the Challenge of Connecting Universities and Industry: Case Studies of Two Regional Industries in Norway. European Planning Studies. ISSN 0965-4313. 18(12), s. 1993–2008. doi: 10.1080/09654313.2010.516523. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The paper argues that no single formula exists for how universities can stimulate innovation activity and industrial development in a particular region. The type of university-industry cooperation must be fined-tuned according to the knowledge base of the university and to the dominant mode of innovation in the regional industry. This article discusses two different modes of innovation: science, technology, innovation (STI) and doing, using, interacting (DUI). The unit of analysis is innovation and cooperation with universities in two regional industries in Norway, which are dominated by the two modes of innovation: STI (marine biotechnology in TromsO) and DUI (oil and gas equipment suppliers in Agder). The empirical analyses demonstrate the different roles that universities play in these two regional industries. The University of TromsO is the main organization behind the development of the marine biotechnology industry in TromsO and is an important knowledge node and source of biotechnology spin-offs. Equipment suppliers in Agder have become world leaders in some niches, almost without research cooperation with universities. A general lesson is that the dominant mode of innovation in a regional industry makes a difference to the role universities can play in stimulating the development of the industry.

• Karlsen, James (2009). Universitetets regionale rolle: Skaper av ny kunnskap eller akademisk kapitalist. I Repstad, Pål; Johnsen, Hans Christian Garmann & Halvorsen, Anne (Red.), Å forske blant sine egne. Universitet og region - nærhet og uavhengighet. Cappelen Damm Høyskoleforlaget. ISSN 9788276348156. s. 49–72. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Artikler om erfaringer med og refleksjoner over å forske i en region der forskere også ofte har andre roller og relasjoner enn bare å være forskere

• Johnsen, Hans Chr. Garman; Karlsen, James; Normann, Roger & Fosse, Jens Kristian (2009). The contradictory nature of knowledge : a challenge for understanding innovation in a local context and workplace development and for doing Action Research. AI & Society: Knowledge, Culture and Communication. ISSN 0951-5666. 23(1), s. 85–89. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Isaksen, Arne & Karlsen, James (2009). Næringsutvikling og regionbygging. Utfordringer for Agder, Regionen - historiske perspektiver, aktuelle utfordringer. Cappelen Damm Høyskoleforlaget. s. 131–147. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James (2008). Læring, kunnskap og innovasjon fra et organisatorisk ståsted, Isaksen, A., Karlsen, A. og Sæther, B. (red.), Innovasjoner i norske næringer - et geografisk perspektiv. Fagbokforlaget. s. 81–97. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Johnsen, Hans Chr. Garman; Lysgård, Hans Kjetil; Kvaale, Gro; Fosse, Jens Kristian; Normann, Roger & Karlsen, James (2005). The Agder Story. AI & Society: Knowledge, Culture and Communication. ISSN 0951-5666. 19(4), s. 430–441. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This article introduces the work of the research team in Agder, providing a context for the seven following articles. The writers have been personally engaged in the processes which they describe, and seek to draw general conclusions from their experience. Agder is a prosperous region, which has not experienced crisis, and is able to devote considerable resources to regional development.

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• Karlsen, James Tommy; Rypestøl, Jan Ole & Trippl, Michaela (2025). Sustainable regional restructuring: Insights from economic geography and regional innovation studies. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISBN 9781035330782. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2015). Desarrollo territorial e investigación acción: Innovación a través del diálogo. Universidad de Deusto. ISBN 9788415772927. 170 s. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2014). Territorial Development and Action Research: Innovation through Dialogue. Routledge. ISBN 9781472409232. 198 s. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Bråstad, Kjell; Grindheim, Jan Erik; Hundstad, Dag; Isaksen, Arne; Karlsen, James & Knudsen, Jon P. [Vis alle 9 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2009). Regionen. Historiske perspektiver, aktuelle utfordringer. Cappelen Damm Høyskoleforlaget. ISBN 9788276348361. 163 s. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv

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• Baharmand, Hossein; Örtenblad, Anders; Johnsen, Hans Christian Garman & Karlsen, James Tommy (2025). Tillit, relevans og akademiske verdier. doi: https:/www.khrono.no/tillit-relevans-og-akademiske-verdier/1007112. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy; Borgersen, Karl Audun Kagnes; Baharmand, Hossein & Örtenblad, Anders (2025). Det er på tide med en seriøs nytenkning rundt høyere utdanning. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Hvis vi ikke fornyer undervisningsformene våre, risikerer vi at kvaliteten på utdanningen svekkes. Ikke fordi studentene har endret seg, men fordi vi fortsetter å undervise som om verden ikke har gjort det.

• Örtenblad, Anders Ragnar; Karlsen, James Tommy & Baharmand, Hossein (2025). Praksis i høyere utdanning – balansegang på en ustø vippe. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2025). Birgejupmi og klimautfordringene. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy; Rypestøl, Jan Ole & Trippl, Michaela (2025). Sustainable Regional Restructuring: An Introduction. I Karlsen, James Tommy; Rypestøl, Jan Ole & Trippl, Michaela (Red.), Sustainable regional restructuring: Insights from economic geography and regional innovation studies. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISSN 9781035330782. s. 1–10. doi: 10.4337/9781035330799.00008. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2023). Forskning på egen praksis: En aksjonsforskningstilnærming. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2023). Levekår – Et komplekst problem. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2023). Erfaring fra regionale samskapingsprosesser mellom studenter og kommuner i Agder om næringsutvikling. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2023). Kompetanse for grønn omstilling. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2022). Nasjonal politikk og regionale utfordringar _ Omstilling på speed. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Husebø, Dag; Hiim, Hilde; Gjøtterud, Sigrid; Karlsen, James Tommy; Ludvigsen, Kristine & Grevle, Tessa Eriksen [Vis alle 10 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2022). National AR-network as grounds for building knowledge ecologies and democratization of academic communities . Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy; Isaksen, Arne & Eriksen, Anna Maria Emelie Langemyr (2019). Construction of a regional innovation system: Lessons from the Agder region, Norway. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Eriksen, Anna Maria Emelie Langemyr (2019). The local newspaper industry in an era of digitalisation: A case study from a peripheral region in Norway. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2018). What can we learn from the emergency of a Maritime CleanTech Cluster in Norway? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2018). HEIs and Responsible Regional Engagement? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2017). I dag var i går i morgen: Næringsutvikling i sjøsamiske områder. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2017). The Regionally Engaged University: An Action Research Approach. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2017). The regionally engaged university: Addressing the knowledge barrier. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2016). Han som ble igjen. [Radio]. NRK Nordland. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2016). Regional innovation system as a framework for co-generation of policy: an action research approach. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2016). Mission impossible? Path renewal seen from the approach of a natural resource intensive firm. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2016). Against odds: Learning and innovation in a natural resource intensive industry. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2015). Mandal ut av bakevja. [Journal]. Fædrelandsvennen. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2014). Editorial: Interaction between research and practice. International Journal of Action Research. ISSN 1861-1303. 10(2), s. 125–128. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Benneworth, Paul; Pinheiro, Romulo & Karlsen, James Tommy (2014). Strategic Agency and Institutional Change: Investigating the Role of Universities in Regional Innovation Systems (RISs). Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Benneworth, Paul; Pinheiro, Romulo & Karlsen, James Tommy (2014). Strategic Agency and Institutional Change: Investigating the Role of Universities in Regional Innovation Systems (RISs). Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pinheiro, Romulo; Benneworth, Paul & Karlsen, James Tommy (2014). Opening the “Black-Box” of Place-Based Leadership. Deconstructing the role of university senior leadership in city/regional development. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, Miren (2014). Moving context from the background to the forefront of policy learning: Lessons from a long term policy process in Gipuzkoa, Basque Country. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Pinheiro, Romulo & Karlsen, James Tommy (2013). Leadership, Strategic Actor-hood and Institutional Change: The Enabling Role of the Rector Office. Regional Studies Association European Conference. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy; Isaksen, Arne; Larsen, Øyvind Heimset; Skogseid, Ingjerd & Nygaard, Vigdis (2013). RIS-modellen: Relevant for perifere regioner? Plan - tidsskrift for samfunnsplanlegging, regional- og byutvikling. ISSN 0805-083X. s. 17–23. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy; Pinheiro, Romulo; Zyzak, Barbara; Flåten, Bjørn-Tore & Isaksen, Arne (2013). Kunnskap og innovasjon i Agder. s. 97–115. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Flåten, Bjørn-Tore; Isaksen, Arne & Karlsen, James Tommy (2013). Global Competetive Firms in “Thin Regions”: The Importance of Knowledge Use. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy; Isaksen, Arne; Austenå, Halvor; Brekke, Thomas; Herstad, Sverre Johan & Holtskog, Halvor [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2011). Forskning eller utdanning? Plan - tidsskrift for samfunnsplanlegging, regional- og byutvikling. ISSN 0805-083X. s. 32–35. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, M. (2011). Emergence of shared leadership in situations of conflict – Mission impossible? Long term experiences from a local network in the Basque Country. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Normann, Roger Henning (2011). Learning and Innovation through Cross Border Collaboration. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Larrea, M. (2011). Social Capital and Policy Learning: An inductive experimental approach to constructing regional advantage in Gipuzkoa, Basque Countr. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy & Isaksen, Arne (2011). Combined and complex mode of innovation in regional cluster development - Re-thinking the concepts of innovation modes. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Karlsen, James Tommy (2011). Innovation and institutional entrepreneurship - A case study of institutionalising of telemedicine in Norway. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Johnsen, Hans Chr. Garman; Karlsen, James; Ennals, Richard & Normann, Roger (2008). Democratic innovation. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Johnsen, Hans Chr. Garman; Normann, Roger; Karlsen, James & Fosse, Jens Kristian (2007). A Practical Normative Approach to Development ¿ some initial experiences with VRI process in the Agder region. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Johnsen, Hans Chr. Garman; Normann, Roger; Karlsen, James & Fosse, Jens Kristian (2006). Contradictory Character of Knowledge - A challenge for understanding innovation and doing Action Research. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Wallevik, Kristin; Ricke, Michael Aloysius; Jørgensen, Geir; Svarstad, Christine; Hernes, Helge & Karlsen, James Tommy [Vis alle 11 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2013). Krise, omstilling og vekst - en regionanalyse av Sørlandet. NORCE Research AS. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Rapporten består av tre deler som analyserer ulike områder av regionen med ulike forfattere og innfallsvinkler og disse er; En analyse av et utvalg fra regionens næringsliv; Kunnskap og innovasjon på Agder og Regional ledelse og samhandling på Agder.

• Karlsen, James Tommy & Vasstrøm, Mikaela (2011). Flyttemotiver i Setesdal. NORCE Research AS. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Formålet med rapporten er å analysere motiver for flytting til og fra Setesdal og fremme forslag på tiltak som kan øke attraktivitet og trivsel i regionen. I 2010 var det vel 6800 innbyggere i Setesdal. Evje og Hornnes kommune er omtrent like stor som de tre andre kommunene til sammen. Folketallsutviklingen i perioden 1990 til 2010 har for Setesdals vedkommende vært negativ, men både Bykle og Evje og Hornnes har hatt positiv befolkningsutvikling. Undersøkelsen viser at natur og friluftsliv er den viktigste verdien for både tilflyttere og fraflyttere. Deretter kommer faktorer knyttet til det sosiale liv og yrke. Til slutt nevnes tjenester, som absolutt oppleves som viktige, spesielt når de er fraværende eller dårlige.

• Karlsen, James Tommy; Kvåle, Gro & Nesje, Liv Mari (2007). Evaluering av Internasjonalt fag- og formidlingssenter for reindrift. NORCE Research AS. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Internasjonalt fag- og formidlingssenter for reindrift – ICR – i Kautokeino vart opna 2. september 2005. I samsvar med vedtektene skal senteret bidra til å oppretthalde og vidareutvikle ei berekraftig reindrift i nordområda, og til å styrke samarbeidet mellom reindriftsfolk. Senteret skal også bidra til å ta vare på reindrifta sine tradisjonelle kunnskapar, og fremje kjennskap til og forståing for reindrifta. Viktige arbeidsoppgåver er innhenting av informa-sjon om reindrift, oversikt over kunnskap om tamreindrift, formidling av informasjon, dokumentasjon og forhold som har betydning for reindrifta sine vilkår, kultur og økologi, både frå forskingsresultat og tradisjonelle kunnskapar frå reindrifta. I tillegg skal senteret peike på eventuelle forskingsbehov. ICR skal også ha eit tett samarbeid med den internasjonale reindriftsor-ganisasjonen Associaton of World Reindeer Herders – WRH.

• Karlsen, James Tommy; Levin, Morten & Johnsen, Hans C.Garmann (2007). The Regional Role of the University: A Study of Knowledge Creation in the Agora between Agder University College and Regional Actors in Agder, Norway. Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet. ISSN 9788247120026. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  In the age of the “knowledge society” and “knowledge economy” the main institution for the development of knowledge, the university, is being challenged in the general discourse in society as well as in specific regions. This somewhat paradoxical situation is the background for my study of the regional role of university. My assumption is that in order for universities to meet this challenge, it is important that they develop their knowing how in cogenerative knowledge creation processes in the agora between university and regional actors, such as industry. By agora I mean the concrete knowledge creation processes between university and regional actors. However, there is little theoretical knowledge about the processes in the agora. The processes are like a black box in theories that discuss the regional role of university. Subsequently my main research question is: • How is knowledge created in the agora between a regional university and regional actors? In order to answer this question I present, first of all, a theoretical discussion of concepts such as knowledge, knowing how, the agora, the legitimacy of university, regional innovation systems, action research and the regional role of university. This discussion concludes with an analytical model and a typology for analysing knowledge creation processes. The model consists of the following elements: participants, planning and organization of the process, and cogeneration of knowledge. By analysing these organisational elements I will be able to say something about different types of structures of the knowledge creation process among the actors in the agora. The typology I have developed from these observations has the following four kinds of processes: Strategically organized processes, management organized processes, collectively research-organised processes and individually research-organized processes. As a way of illustrating and illuminating my research question I look into knowledge creation processes between Agder University College and regional actors in the Agder region in Norway. The processes I have studied are diverse. The agora consists of many different knowledge creation processes: some are small, some are big, some are ad hoc organized and some are regularly organized and last for a long time, some are reported in the media while others are not so easy to identify. The regional role of university has so far been interpreted through top-down initiatives, such as strategically organized initiatives and management organized initiatives. However, the top-down processes have only to a limited extent been connected to bottom-up processes that are organized by researchers in the university college. This connection is crucial if Agder University College is to interpret its regional role successfully.

• Lysø, Roald; Sletterød, Niels Arvid & Karlsen, James Tommy (2005). Miljøvennlige og attraktive tettsteder i distriktene. Sluttrapport fra følgeevalueringen av programmet. Nord-Trøndelagsforskning. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv

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