Chapter 3.2 From Izhma to Kortkeros, building development partnerships and networks in the Komi Republic: Challenges for young entrepreneurs

Valeria Gjertsen born in the Komi Republic of Russia has become conscious of her strong attachment to the Circumpolar North after she moved to Alta in Northern Norway to work as a project coordinator for the University of the Arctic’s Thematic Network on Local and Region Development. This work has contributed a lot to her understanding of community development processes in northern sparsely populated areas of Russia (Komi, Archangelsk, Yakutia, and Murmansk regions) and Norway (Finnmark and Troms counties). "I’m a circumpolar’er", Valeria used to say, and this identity plays important role in her daily work at the Arctic University of Norway as a student officer at the School of Business Administration.