Picture: Stian Rognlid, Aquaticode CEO

We’re honored to have shared our thoughts at the Arctic Frontiers conference.

The core message was that academia does not have a monopoly on research. Production of knowledge happens in businesses as well.

Aquaticode e.g. is a product of having had 15 industrial R&D partnerships across the value chains of multiple aquatic species.

And while there’s a fundamental difference between producing knowledge accessible for all and innovating for-profit(/purpose), both are important.

We enjoy an increasing standard of living due to a surge in productivity. But at the same time, most of us recognize our devastating impact on the planet – and we won’t solve this by doing what we’ve always done.

Innovation is often a common good, regardless of its origin.

Often, but not always.

Perhaps we should differentiate more strongly between R&D – and industries – that have the potential to make direct contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals, and those who do not.

One of the most significant challenges of our time is to feed 9.7 billion people by 2050. Aquaculture reduces the strain on nature (nutritional density vs. carbon footprint vs. land use), planting shrimp and salmon farming firmly in the ‘contribution’ category.

So let’s push in the right direction – together.