Arctic Preparedness and Migration Network (APM-North)

Arctic regions are experiencing profound transformations driven by climate change, demographic change, geopolitical uncertainty, labour market challenges, and economic restructuring. In this changing environment, communities increasingly need new approaches to strengthen resilience, social cohesion, and preparedness. The APM-North project responds to these challenges by examining how migration, entrepreneurship, and local knowledge systems interact in shaping resilient Arctic futures.

The overall goal of the project is to develop a socially embedded and circumpolar understanding of crisis preparedness among immigrant entrepreneurs in Arctic contexts, while strengthening knowledge collaboration, educational innovation, and policy relevance in line with the UArctic Strategic Plan 2030.

The project will bring together researchers and partners across Arctic regions to strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation on migration, preparedness, resilience, and entrepreneurship.

Through comparative empirical research, including focus groups across Arctic regions, the project will generate new insights into how entrepreneurs experience and respond to crises, uncertainty, and changing social conditions. The findings will be translated into policy-relevant outputs supporting more inclusive and resilient Arctic development.

The project also explores the role of education and knowledge exchange in strengthening Arctic cooperation. One important outcome will be the assessment of the feasibility and conceptual foundations of a potential UArctic-level online course on migration, preparedness, and Arctic socio-economic resilience, supporting future learning opportunities across the circumpolar North.

Key activities of the APM-North project include:

• Strengthening cross-disciplinary Arctic academic cooperation in migration, preparedness, and resilience
• Developing a shared conceptual framework linking economy, migration, and crisis preparedness
• Gathering comparative empirical insights through focus groups across Arctic regions
• Translating research findings into policy-relevant recommendations
• Preparing at least one joint follow-up research funding application
• Exploring the foundations for a future UArctic-level online course on migration, preparedness, and Arctic socio-economic resilience

The APM-North project contributes to broader discussions on how Arctic communities can build resilience through inclusive participation, knowledge collaboration, and socially embedded approaches to development. By focusing on the experiences and contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs, the project seeks to strengthen understanding of how diverse communities can prepare for and adapt to future uncertainties.

The project is implemented by UiT, The Arctic University of Norway (lead), University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute (co-Lead), Chr. Michelsen Institute, Bergen, Norway, and The University of Faroe Islands.