Nordic Conference On Small Business Research (NCSB2026)

We welcome abstracts on the following themes:

• Student projects evolving into startups
• University–industry collaboration
• Digital tools supporting student innovation
• Mentorship beyond the university
• Challenge-driven and Problem based learning
• Ecosystem strategies for young entrepreneurs
• Other relevant topics

Abstracts should be approximately 900 words and include the following: 

• objectives,
• theoretical foundation,
• approach/methods,
• preliminary results/findings, and
• expected contributions. 

When submitting your abstract, you will be asked to select a track theme. The list of tracks and their descriptions is available on the conference website. 

Do not include your name or affiliation in the abstract. 

Submit your abstract no later than 20 January 2026 using the following link: https://nettskjema.no/a/ncsb2026 

• Submission of abstract – January 20, 2026
• Submission of full paper – April 15, 2026
• Early registration – before March 6, 2026
• Latest registration – April 15, 2026

Nordic Bridge academic partners are chairing Track 6. The following people are selected from the partner universities:

• Umair Najeeb Mughal – Nord University
• Anna Guðrún Edvardsdóttir – Hólar University
• Anzelika Krastina – Lapland University of Applied Sciences
• Lars Andreas Myrvoll – Nord University
• Noel Mulkeen – Atlantic Technological University

In case your abstract is accepted, we will welcome you to submit your full paper to the NCSB2026 conference! The deadline for full papers is 15th of April 2026. Information about where to submit the full paper will be announced later.

If your abstract is accepted, it will also be possible to present your research at NCSB2026 without submitting a full paper. In this case, you must submit a revised (extended) abstract by the above deadline to secure your spot on the conference programme.

Instructions for writing the full paper for NCSB2026 Conference

• Title and headings: Title of the paper should be concise, centered and written in capitals, Times New Roman, font size 14 pt. Headings should be in bold, left aligned, and with 12 pt. font size. Subheadings should be in italics, left aligned, and 12 pt.
• Author(s): Please write the names and affiliations of the author/authors after the title of the paper. Please insert also the contact information (email) of the corresponding author.
• Abstract: Abstract of the full paper should be no longer than 150 words and it should follow the contact information.
• Main text: The main text should be written in Times New Roman, 12 pt., left and right aligned and single lines spacing throughout with 2.5 centimeters margins on the left, right, top and bottom. The total length of the paper is not advised to exceed 20 pages including abstract, references and appendices.
• Figures and tables: Figures and tables should be placed as close as possible to where they are cited. Center titles above figures and tables and written the Figure and Table titles in bold and with 12 pt. font size.
• Footnotes: Footnotes should be typed in 10 pt. font size at the bottom of the page.
• Page numbers: Page numbers should be on the top in the middle.
• References: References in text should be in alphabetical and chronological order. In the list of references, references should also be in alphabetical and chronological order.
• Submissions: We would prefer to receive the full papers in PDF format. Information about where to submit the full paper will be announced later.

• The organiser of NCSB2026 is the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Division, Nord University Business School.
• Track 6 is hosted by the Nordic Bridge NPA Partners, funded by Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic.

Conference registration will open in 2026. The 2026 participation fees (VAT included) are as follows:

• ‘Ordinary’ participants (registration after March 6, 2026) 5 750 NOK
• ‘Early bird’ participants (registration before March 6, 2026) 4 600 NOK
• Participants attending the Doctoral Consortium 3 050 NOK
• The attendance fee includes
  • Welcome reception
  • Conference dinner
  • Attendance in all scientific programme during the main conference
  • Coffees and lunches on the conference days as marked in the programme
  • Possibility to reserve accommodation with a special conference rate
  • Conference materials

Nord University is a dynamic institution with a strong focus on regional development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Although formally established in 2016, it builds on decades of experience in higher education through the merger of the University of Nordland, Nesna University College, and Nord-Trøndelag University College.

With approximately 11,300 students and 1,400 employees across multiple campuses in Northern and Central Norway, Nord University plays a vital role in promoting sustainable development, innovation, and knowledge creation in the Arctic and beyond. The university offers future-oriented study programs and conducts research in areas such as blue and green growth, entrepreneurship, health, and welfare.

The Bodø campus offers modern facilities and a scenic location, providing an inspiring setting for academic exchange and collaboration, making it an ideal venue for the opening day of the conference.

The visiting address of Nord University Bodø Campus is: Universitetsalléen 11, 8026 Bodø.

• Welcome Reception
  • Welcome Reception will be held on 18th May at Stormen Konserthus, Storgata 1B, 8006 Bodø

The concert hall is a modern and well-equipped building that houses four halls. Stormen aims to make Bodø a better place to live, by offering a variety of experiences in addition to stimulating and collaborating with the city's cultural life. The building is part of the Cultural Quarter, which was completed in 2014 and has won several architectural awards

• Conference Dinner
  • Conference Dinner will be held at Bådin Bryggeri, located at Tolder Holmers vei 6, 8003 Bodø
  • Bådin Bryggeri was founded in 2012 by an eclectic group of friends, that included an engineer, a doctor, a librarian, a designer and an economist. The brewery has since been a pioneer when it comes to Arctic craft beer. With a strong focus on innovation and tradition, Bådin has built up a large portfolio of beers that are praised both at home and abroad. One of the most important success criteria has always been to experiment with new styles and flavours - which has resulted in new beers being launched every month, which in turn is an important contribution to keeping the brewery's portfolio varied and always current.
• Main Conference
  • Main Conference will be held on 20th May on Day 2 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Bodø, Storgata 2, 8006 Bodø
  • Radisson Blu Hotel Bodø is a centrally located business hotel with stunning views of the harbor and city. It features modern conference facilities, comfortable rooms, and a rooftop bar with a panoramic view, making it an ideal venue for the final day of the conference.

Bodø is easy to reach, whether you're flying in or arriving by train, car, or bus. 

• By Plane
  • Bodø Airport (BOO) is just minutes from the city center. Daily flights from Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø, and Lofoten. From Oslo there are frequent international connections. Airlines: Norwegian, SAS, WiderøeFrom the airport to the city center
  • Bus (departs outside terminal)
  • Taxi (approx. NOK 150–200)
  • Walk (20–25 minutes)
• By Train
  • The Nordland Railway normally connects Trondheim and Bodø, but some recent natural events have made parts of the route unstable. Before planning a trip by train, please check updated information at www.vy.no or www.entur.no.
• For a more reliable option by bus, the Vy Express coach offers regular bus departures between Trondheim and Bodø (approx. 11 hours).
• By Car
  • Drive via E6 to Fauske, then RV80 to Bodø.
  • From Oslo: approx. 17 hours
  • Coastal Route RV17 offers a scenic detour via Helgeland (Note: Some routes include ferries)
  • Parking in Bodø may require payment
  • Getting Around in Bodø

Bodø offers a wide range of hotels, from modern conference venues to charming boutique stays. While Norway doesn’t use a star rating system, most hotels in Bodø offer service and quality equivalent to 4-star standards.

• For NCSB2026, we have arranged special rates at the venue for Day 2 of the Main Conference: Radisson Blu Hotel Bodø. Address of the hotel is Storgata 2, 8001 Bodø, Phone: +47 75 51 90 00, Email: info.bodo@radissonblu.com
  • Located in the heart of Bodø with stunning views over the harbor and city, Radisson Blu offers comfortable rooms, excellent conference facilities, and a popular rooftop bar with a panoramic 360 view of Bodø. The hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the waterfront promenade, making it an ideal base for both academic engagement and leisure.
  • Special Conference Rate: Valid for stays between 17–21 May 2026 (limited availability, first-come, first-served)
  • Single room: 1 100 NOK per night (incl. breakfast)
  • The rates offered include VAT, coffee/tea facilities, in-room safe, TV with screen mirroring, and wireless internet. A supplement for double rooms is NOK 200 per room per night.
  • Check-in from 3:00 PM / Check-out by 12:00 PM.
  • [Use this booking link to reserve at the special rate] (will be available soon)
  • Reservation deadline: 23 March 2026 (Unclaimed rooms will be released after this date)
    
    
• Other Hotel Options (no special rates): All hotels listed below are within walking distance of Radisson Blu Hotel Bodø, expect for Wood Hotel Bodø, which requires a short drive (10 min drive):
  • Quality Hotel Ramsalt – Stylish waterfront hotel with excellent amenities. This is the main conference hotel for the 3E conference.
  • Scandic Havet – Seaside hotel with panoramic views and rooftop dining
  • Comfort Hotel Bodø – Trendy and casual with smart design
  • Thon Hotel Nordlys – Peaceful marina location with relaxed atmosphere
  • Thon Partner Hotel Skagen (Skagen Hotel) – Cozy and traditional, slightly outside the center
  • Scandic Bodø – Central location near the harbor, ideal for business and leisure
  • Smarthotel Bodø – Budget-friendly with compact rooms and self-service
  • Home Hotel Grand Bodø (Grand Hotel) – Historic charm near shopping and harbor
  • Wood Hotel Bodø – Luxury nature retreat with spa and rooftop pool (10 min drive)
    
    
• You can also use the following websites:
  • Booking.com
  • Airbnb.com

Moving in Bodø in Public Transport

Bodø offers a fully electric bus service, one of the first of its kind globally. The buses are modern, quiet, and environmentally friendly, with charging ports, seat belts, and spacious interiors. 

Getting Between Bodø City Centre and Nord University Campus

The Nord University Bodø campus (venue for Day 1 of the Main Conference and the Doctoral Consortium) is located in Mørkved, about 10 km from Bodø city centre. Bus line 2 runs frequently between the city centre (“Bodø sentrum”) and the university (“Universitetet”).

• Plan your trip: https://www.reisnordland.no/.
• Buy tickets: Use the Reis app → https://www.reisnordland.no/kjop-bussbillett

Taxi & Ride Services

Taxis are available via Bodø Taxi and Uber.

• Bodø Taxi: https://www.07550.no/,
• Taxifix app, or call +47 22 38 83 09
• Uber: Use the Uber app

Other Options

Bodø’s city center is compact and easy to explore on foot, with electric scooters and bicycles also available for rent.

Attending the conference in Bodø is not only an academic experience, it is also a chance to explore one of the most exciting regions in Northern Norway. With the conference taking place in May, you will arrive at a wonderful time of year when the days are long, and the landscape is turning green after winter.

If you plan to arrive a little early, you can even experience Norway’s Constitution Day on 17 May, the biggest national celebration of the year. In Bodø, the streets fill with parades, music, and people dressed in traditional bunads, creating a lively and unforgettable atmosphere.

If you are looking to explore entrepreneurship education in even greater depth, Nord University will also be hosting the3E Conference right after NCSB. Together, the two conferences offer a great opportunity for a full week of scholarly exchange in Northern Norway.

During your stay, take time to enjoy what Bodø and the nearby region has to offer:

• Stroll through the city centre, with its cafés, restaurants, and shops. Don’t miss fresh local seafood.
• Visit Stormen Concert Hall and the Norwegian Aviation Museum, two of Bodø’s cultural highlights.
• Explore the Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest tidal current – a natural wonder just outside the city.
• Go hiking in the nearby mountains for panoramic views over the coast and islands. The top Keiservarden is the undisputed favorite of the people of Bodø, offering a 360-degree view of the city and mountains (see hiking info here).
• Take a boat trip to nearby islands or even the spectacular Lofoten archipelago.

If you wish to extend your trip, Bodø is a perfect gateway to the north. You can follow the scenic Coastal Route (Kystriksveien) southwards, take a ferry to Lofoten, or continue your journey further north to Tromsø or Svalbard.

For more inspiration and practical travel information, visit:

• Visit Bodø [https://visitbodo.com/]
• Visit Norway – Bodø [https://www.visitnorway.no/reisemal/nord-norge/bodo/]