Abstract:

Since 2014, the University of Agder (UIA) and The Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO) have gathered together in the small city of Risør, Norway, to create a unique learning experience for Master's students from both universities: the Pop-Up Campus. This paper will explore the Pop-Up Campus model: a creative learning experience that blends entrepreneurship, design thinking, and economic development. The Pop-Up Campus has created new opportunities for learners, the community of Risør, and both of the participating universities.

The Pop-Up Campus brings together two unusual collaborators: a business school (UiA) and a design school (AHO). Risør hosts the experience, bringing an influx of university students to a region that does not have a university, and inviting them to solve challenges facing local firms.

The students experience a hybrid pedagogical design. They work prior to the Pop-Up, join together for a weeklong team based Pop-Up experience, and follow up the week by analyzing and reflecting on their experience. Professors from both universities guide the students and act as mentors with probing questions to help the students deepen their inquiry and exploration. They ensure that the students push through any roadblocks they may encounter.

The students are grouped in inter-institutional teams, with a combination of MBA and Design students on each team. The culture and learning experiences from the two campuses are quite distinct. MBA students have been trained in business modeling, financial analysis, and market analysis. They use state-of-the-art tools and methodologies such as Alex Osterwalder's "Business Model Canvas". These students have an approach to business modeling that focuses on financial sustainability and viability, as without these, a business venture will not be able to achieve its goals.

The architecture and design students, from AHO, have been working with user-centric approaches and leveraging design-thinking methodologies. For these students, the human element of the project starts first, as any solution to a challenge must be driven from a deep understanding of the needs and situation of its users. These two lenses provide an unusual context for the student teams. Students learn to value and respect the lens of each other.

Our paper will explore the lessons learned over three years of the Pop-Up Campus. We will discuss the experiences and reflections of the students, the faculty, and the companies that they helped. We will discuss what worked, what did not, and what might be enhanced in future instances of the Pop-Up Campus. We will also explore the unique opportunity for the Pop-Up Campus to solve regional economic development challenges, and will investigate models for ongoing funding and sustainability. Finally, we will look at the opportunities for Pop-Up Campuses to act as an innovation agent for both universities and regions.

Keywords:

Entrepreneurship, co-creation, design thinking, creative learning, business modeling.