Odd Jarl Borch

Professor Odd Jarl Borch is a prominent academic at Nord University specializing in emergency preparedness, crisis management, and Arctic security. His work bridges theoretical research with practical implementation through international collaborations and policy contributions.

Education:

• Harstad Gymnasium
• Norwegian School of Economics
• Umeå University, Sweden
• Indiana University, USA
• Bodin Maritime College

Professor Borch's research focuses on emergency preparedness systems in high-complexity environments, particularly in the Arctic region. His work examines civil-military cooperation, hybrid threats, and organizational management during crises. He has pioneered research on maritime safety in polar regions and developed frameworks for cross-border emergency response coordination. His approach integrates theoretical organizational models with practical crisis management applications, emphasizing the unique challenges of Arctic operations.

His recent publications (2020-2024) reveal a strong trajectory toward hybrid threat analysis and collaborative security frameworks. The research consistently addresses Arctic-specific challenges while developing universally applicable emergency response models. Key themes include virtual network intelligence, civil-military coordination mechanisms, and structural adaptations for high-complexity environments. His work demonstrates increasing emphasis on digital transformation in emergency management and the evolving nature of security threats in polar regions.

Professor Borch leads significant research initiatives including the NORDLAB Center for Emergency Preparedness and Cooperation and coordinates a network of 25 European researchers on civil-military preparedness. He has initiated major international collaborations such as the Arctic Safety and Security network with 22 universities and the ARCSAR innovation network. His practical impact extends to public service through membership on the Corona Commission, the Total Emergency Preparedness Commission, and the cruise industry safety investigation committee.

He has supervised numerous bachelor's, master's, and PhD students in organization and management subjects related to security and crisis management. His teaching portfolio includes fisheries economics, vessel operations, financial management, and crisis management. Professor Borch's laboratory work centers on the NORDLAB emergency management facility, which conducts advanced simulation training for Arctic emergency response professionals.