We are focusing on researching computer systems that enable and support sustainable development goals for specific application areas. This cross-fertilization research is carried out with partners from industrial corporations and public sector organizations where distributed systems applied might play a pivotal role to address such global challenges. Our cross-fertilization laboratory located downtown Tromsø spatially close to many of our user partners works on computer systems problems and casual legal aspects rooted in real application domains. This laboratory is part of the “Centre for Intelligence and Trust” (CITru), a virtual centre including inter-disciplinary faculty and students in Tromsø (UiT), Bergen (UiB), and Oslo (SimulaMet).
Our location in the Arctic impacts our selection of user partners and problem domains, and we have chosen sustainable fisheries as our prime application domain. Fisheries and aquaculture are among the largest industries in Norway. A global population depends on a sustainable fishing industry, which is reflected in the recent 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. SDG #14 states this goal clearly; to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. Closely related UN SDGs include strengthened food security (SDG #2), promotion of sustainable economic growth (SDG #8), sustainable consumption and production (SDG #12), and strengthened global partnerships for sustainable development (SDG #17).
Our focus on fisheries also relates to combating of economic crime, which relates directly to the UN sustainability goals. Our inter-disciplinary group of computer scientists and law experts targets in particular anti-money-laundering problems.
Law needs to continuously develop in order to keep pace with technological developments. Our select application domain rapidly adopting and deploying digital solutions is no exception. Hence, our cross-disciplinary work involves close cooperation with law science conducting basic research in the field of digital law.