The Role of the University of Akureyri in Northern Development

Abstract

This chapter has a dual purpose. First, it deals with the foundation of the University of Akureyri and its importance for regional development in northern Iceland. Second, it deals with higher education in Iceland, throwing light on some of the country's idiosyncrasies. The chapter begins by introducing the general situation in Iceland, thereby outlining the conditions under which the University of Akureyri operates. This is followed by an analysis of higher education in Iceland and its development. Then, it focuses on the University of Akureyri, describing some of the expectations that its foundation gave rise to and how it has developed subsequently. At this stage, the chapter turns to the university's significance in terms of access to education, economic impact, its effect on vocational education and its effect on various social and cultural aspects of the region. The chapter concludes with an overview of the development of the University of Akureyri and the future opportunities for higher education in the north.