Ove Daniel Jakobsen

Ove Daniel Jakobsen is a distinguished academic at Nord University's School of Business specializing in ecological economics and sustainability. He serves as a board member at the Center for Sami and Indigenous Studies and holds leadership positions including Deputy Chairman of NaKUHel Academy. His scholarly work bridges economics, environmental science, and social philosophy, challenging conventional growth paradigms with transformative frameworks for sustainable development.

Dr. Jakobsen's educational background includes:

• Dr. Economics from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) in 1989
• Cand. Philol. from the University of Bergen (UiB) with a philosophy major in 1991
• Master of Science in Economics and Administration from the Norwegian School of Economics in 1987

His research focuses on ecological economics as a paradigm shift from traditional economic thinking. He explores circular economy models, ecopreneurship, and dialogue-based approaches to social change, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature, culture, and health. His scholarship challenges the growth imperative of mainstream economics, advocating for systems that prioritize ecological integrity and social wellbeing.

Dr. Jakobsen's recent work examines utopian thinking as a practical methodology for community development and investigates the spiritual dimensions of sustainable business practices. His publications reveal a consistent focus on transforming economic systems through ecological principles, with growing emphasis on community-based solutions and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems.

His research demonstrates a progression from theoretical foundations toward practical implementation, with increasing attention to participatory methods and alternative economic indicators that measure wellbeing rather than mere output. The nature-culture-health interplay represents a central theme in his scholarship, recognizing these as interconnected systems rather than separate domains.

Dr. Jakobsen actively contributes to public discourse through his board memberships with organizations including Cultura Bank, Public Health Alliance Nordland, and the Norwegian Non-Fiction Writers and Translators Association. His work with the Utopia Workshop methodology provides communities with practical tools for envisioning sustainable futures through collaborative processes.

His educational initiatives include developing ecological economics curriculum for Bodø Upper Secondary School and leading the ERASMUS+ 'Applied Ecopreneurship Methodologies' project (2017-2019), demonstrating his commitment to translating academic research into practical applications that benefit communities and students.