Partnership, society and business
Through systematic work, BI is closely connected to the business community and society.
Throughout its history, BI has been closely connected to society and business. We work systematically to create mutually enriching cooperation between BI, students, employers, and public authorities. The school's alums are important ambassadors in this work.
- BI has 300,000 alums.
- BI has 17.000 international alums.
We also invite the business world to support outstanding students, for example, through the Master Merit Society initiative. BI's most talented master's students are connected with business partners who contribute to workshops where the students work on current issues from partner companies.
- 437 students were part of the Master Merit Society last year.
- In 2023, Accenture, Gjensidige and Grant Thornton contributed as partners and collaborators in the Master Merit Society.
In 2023, we marked 80 years since Finn Øien founded BI. Through several events and initiatives focusing on knowledge sharing and BI's impact on society, we have celebrated eight decades of fantastic students, alums and knowledge development. Some examples were:
- Anniversary marking on the Oslo campus, including a seminar for top managers and the business world, a double edition of the Leader's toolbox, lunch for BI pensioners and a celebration with employees.
- BI Research Day with the appointment of three new honorary doctors, presentation of new professors and fellows, as well as the awarding of Researcher of the Year and recognition of BI's research efforts.
- Anniversary celebration for students with a speech from honorary doctor Lise Klaveness.
- Anniversary celebrations on our campuses in Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim with lectures, panel discussions and prizes for BI alumni.
- Alumni day with lectures, panel discussions, prizes and celebration of previous BI students.
A major area of focus for BI is shaping our candidates for tomorrow's working life and contributing to creating new jobs through various initiatives across sectors, including those linked to student companies from BI Startup. In 2023:
- 1958 positions were published in BI's career portal in 2023.
- 20 students were associated with BI Startup.
- 305 student companies were active.
To bring business, students, and alums closer together, BI regularly facilitates dialogue and collaboration through events on campus.
- BI had 100 events with external guests, totalling 20.000 participants.
- BI participated as a knowledge partner in several events in collaboration with other companies and organisations, such as:
- Arendal Week in collaboration with The Norwegian Business Daily.
- The Future We Choose conference in collaboration with Abelia and SHUB.
- Oslo Big Data Day in collaboration with Xplorico.
- Various diversity events in collaboration with She Community and Pride.
- In addition, we were a knowledge partner with Oslo Business Forum. - Partnerforum, the collaboration forum between BI, UiO, and government agencies, had 23 partners last year, 19 events, and 4354 participants.
- BI organised 8 editions of the Leader's Toolbox with a total of 3500 participants.
To strengthen cooperation with the business world and ensure that our study programs meet relevant competence needs, BI has set up several Advisory Boards and Advisory Councils. Former students and external representatives with relevant experience provide helpful advice and input on BI's strategy, study programs and subject areas.
As a large and important educational institution, BI wants to take social responsibility. An example of this is that BI donates a sum of money to charity as a Christmas present to its employees every year.
- NOK 250.000 donated to the TV campaign and Save the Children's work to help children affected by war and conflicts.