Bridging Business and Sustainability in the Arctic Region
Dr. Alexandra Middleton is a researcher at the Oulu Business School, University of Oulu. She has been actively contributing to Arctic research through her work in financial accounting, sustainability reporting, and sustainable business development. Besides research, Dr. Middleton also teaches courses on sustainability accounting, assurance, and international reporting standards at the University of Oulu.
Her efforts aim to support responsible investment and innovation in the Arctic region, while respecting the environment and the rights of local and Indigenous communities.
“Historically, the Arctic has been a focal point for natural resource extraction and transportation routes. However, recent developments have introduced new industries such as data centers and renewable energy production. These changes bring fresh business opportunities and international investment, prompting the need for sustainable practices and clear regulatory frameworks,” says Dr Middleton.
Multidisciplinary and multinational research
Dr. Middleton has been involved in several multidisciplinary projects across the Arctic, collaborating with partners from the United States, Canada, and Nordic countries. One of her long-term initiatives is the Business Index North project, conducted in partnership with Nord University in Bodø, Norway.
“In Business Index North we collect socio-economic data on the Arctic and see what's been happening in the long trends and also study demographic data in the Arctic.”
Dr. Middleton serves as Vice Chair in the UArctic Thematic Network on Science Diplomacy. This network explores how science diplomacy can address global challenges such as climate change and plastic pollution. She also participates in the UArctic Thematic Network on Smart Societies in the High North, which focuses on developing practical smart solutions for Arctic communities.
“I think it’s important to meet colleagues all over the world who are working on the very challenging but interesting problems which have practical implications and solutions for people that live in the Arctic.”
“I’m passionate about making Arctic research accessible,” says Dr. Middleton. “Through newsletters, open access publications, and public engagement, I aim to ensure that our findings reach not only academics but also policymakers, businesses, and Arctic communities.”