Collaboration

Reykjavik University (RU) collaborates closely with numerous companies and institutions both in Iceland and internationally. This partnership fosters a two-way exchange of knowledge—staff and students at RU learn from industry professionals, while businesses benefit from the cutting-edge insights and research conducted at the University. Combining the latest academic research with innovative industry methods creates a strong foundation for shaping the future of society.

Tools and opportunities
At RU, we provide students with a solid foundation for entering the workforce. Students are equipped with both the tools and opportunities they need, including:

• A strong academic foundation.
• Teamwork skills to collaborate effectively.
• Problem-solving abilities under pressure.
• Conflict resolution techniques.

In many programs, students are required to establish their own businesses during their studies. This hands-on experience allows them to discover their strengths, explore roles they were previously unfamiliar with, and even create entirely new jobs and knowledge for the future. This innovative approach ensures RU graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the evolving job market.

Pathways to Collaboration

Reykjavik University (RU) establishes early connections between students and industry through real-world projects, internships, and instruction from professionals working outside the university. These collaborations create valuable opportunities for both students and industry partners.

Internships

RU’s academic departments form agreements with companies and institutions to facilitate student internships. Most departments at the university offer internship programs, allowing students to gain practical experience and apply their academic knowledge in professional settings.

Student Projects

Students collaborate with companies on various projects, benefiting both parties. These projects often include final-year undergraduate projects or shorter initiatives, such as three-week intensive courses, providing students with hands-on experience while delivering innovative solutions to industry partners.

Partnership Agreements

RU has developed strong partnerships with institutions and businesses across Iceland. These partnerships are viewed as long-term investments that benefit both the companies and society. Agreements vary widely, encompassing student internships, final projects, master’s theses, and long-term research collaborations. Topics include sustainable energy utilization, the development of technological solutions in fisheries, and advancements in food production.

Examples of Partners

RU’s industry partners include leading companies and organizations such as:

• Marel
• The Federation of Icelandic Fishing Vessel Owners (SFS)
• Landsvirkjun
• Landsnet
• Icelandair
• Landsbankinn
• Siminn

These collaborations reflect RU’s commitment to fostering innovation and creating mutually beneficial relationships between academia and industry, driving progress and knowledge for a better future.

Reykjavik University’s Industry Partnerships: A Future-Focused Collaboration

Reykjavik University (RU) collaborates with leading companies and organizations, viewing these partnerships as investments in the future—benefiting both businesses and society as a whole. Here are some highlights of RU's major collaborations:

Key Partnerships

• Icelandair
  A three-year agreement focusing on research projects for students and faculty, emphasizing tourism, aviation, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The projects adopt an interdisciplinary approach, solving real-world challenges in the job market.
• Landsnet
  A three-year agreement to support research and education in risk analysis, electricity transmission, system operations, and information technology. Landsnet funds an academic position in electric power engineering, enabling RU to offer a master’s program in this field, supported by collaborations with Landsvirkjun.
• Landsvirkjun
  Reykjavik University (RU) and Landsvirkjun, Iceland's national power company, have a strong and ongoing collaboration aimed at advancing research, education, and innovation in renewable energy and sustainability.
• Marel
  RU and Marel collaborate on up to four annual projects, enhancing research and development in manufacturing equipment, software, and solutions for the food industry. These projects leverage Marel’s position as a global leader in advanced technology for food production.
• Síminn
  This partnership introduces RU students to the role of information technology in developing telecommunications solutions. It aims to inspire interest in careers within telecommunications and IT. Síminn also supports education in technical fields and collaborates on student and faculty research projects to develop advanced technologies for its operations.
• Fish­eries Ice­land (SFS)
  A partnership to boost research and innovation in the fisheries sector, focusing on sustainability, resource utilization, and job creation. Master’s students link their projects to industry challenges, and the collaboration includes hosting the annual Vitinn innovation competition, where students design and implement solutions for fisheries companies.

Innovation and Cluster Development

RU actively contributes to the development of innovation clusters, which strengthen industries' competitiveness by fostering strong connections between stakeholders. Geographical proximity and shared challenges often form the foundation of these clusters. Universities play a vital role, as education and research have a profound impact on all areas of industry.

Through these partnerships, RU combines academic knowledge with industry expertise, driving innovation and creating solutions that benefit both students and the business community. This dynamic collaboration helps shape a sustainable and competitive future for Iceland.

Key Clusters and Partnerships

Iceland Geothermal

RU is a founding member of the Iceland Geothermal cluster, leveraging Iceland’s geothermal resources to enhance prosperity and create value. With over 40 founding members, the cluster promotes innovation, development, and increased exports in energy production and utilization.

Icelandic Tourism Cluster

This partnership brings together companies and public institutions in tourism, along with other stakeholders. Its primary goal is to enhance the competitiveness and value creation of Icelandic tourism through collaboration and shared knowledge.

Icelandic Gaming Industry (IGI)

Founded in 2009, IGI serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, advocacy, and collaboration in the gaming sector. RU’s Center for Analysis and Design of Intelligent Agents (CADIA) was a founding member of IGI and has partnered with the organization since 2010 to foster innovation in gaming education and research.

FinTech Cluster

The FinTech cluster aims to drive innovation in financial services, making transactions simpler and more effective. The cluster supports a community of professionals who work to increase value creation, competitiveness, and improved living standards.

More about Innovation with industry

Lifelong Learning and Customized Training

Open University (Opni Háskólinn)
RU’s Open University works closely with the academic departments to provide tailored training solutions for companies and organizations.

• Management Training: Customized educational plans for leadership development and workplace improvement, drawing on expertise from RU’s academic departments, Icelandic industry, and international collaborators.
• Specialized Programs: The Open University has developed industry-specific courses in partnership with businesses and professional associations, improving the skills and performance of employees across sectors.

Examples of Programs:

• Certification for financial advisors with the Icelandic Financial Services Association and business schools in Iceland.
• Certification for insurance professionals in collaboration with Icelandic insurance companies and RU’s Law Department.
• Leadership training for tourism, fisheries, automotive, and retail sectors in partnership with industry associations.

Students

Collaborate with Reykjavik University Students

Every year, over 3,500 students at Reykjavik University gain knowledge in technology, business, sports, psychology, and law. These students bring fresh perspectives and a passion for applying their expertise to real-world challenges.

Opportunities for Collaboration

The most common ways to collaborate with students are through internships and student projects. These partnerships allow companies and organizations to benefit from cutting-edge knowledge and research, fostering innovation and value creation. At the same time, students gain valuable experience that prepares them for the workforce after graduation.

Vitinn: The Fisheries Challenge

A competition exists for aspiring experts in environmental issues, marketing, software, technology, and logistics to prove their capabilities and talent by developing solutions for the seafood industry. The event is organised in cooperation between Reykjavik University and Fisheries Iceland with the support of Icelandair and The US Embassy in Iceland.

Flexible Project Options

Organizations can collaborate with students at all academic levels, with projects ranging in scope:

• Undergraduate Courses: Short-term projects tied to specific courses.
• Master’s Theses: In-depth research projects at the graduate level.
• Industry PhD Programs: Joint doctoral projects between companies and students.

Partnering with Reykjavik University students offers a mutually beneficial opportunity to drive innovation, apply academic research to practical challenges, and develop future leaders in your field.

Internships: Valuable Training for the Future

Internships at Reykjavik University (RU) are a vital part of the academic journey. All RU departments offer internship opportunities, either at the undergraduate or graduate level, or both. During internships, students receive valuable training by applying academic knowledge to real-world challenges under the guidance of leading professionals.

Bridging Academia and Industry

RU collaborates with numerous Icelandic and international companies and organizations to ensure that its programs align with the needs of both the industry and society. This approach prepares students for active participation in the workforce and makes them highly sought-after employees upon graduation.

To achieve this, students engage in real-world projects with companies, undertake internships, and receive instruction from industry experts. Surveys conducted among RU graduates reveal the success of this model, with 80-90% of graduates securing employment before graduation.

Internship Regulations

Strict guidelines ensure the quality of internships:

• Students have mentors both from RU and the partnering company.
• Regular progress reports are submitted.
• Credit hours are awarded based on the duration and scope of the internship (e.g., six credits equal 120 hours of work).
• Internships typically range from 6 to 14 credits and are completed alongside other coursework.
• Students are generally permitted to take only one internship during their studies.

How Internships Are Chosen

The initiative to pursue an internship lies with the students, who select internships as they would any other course. RU organizes internships in collaboration with companies and institutions that have become formal partners of the university, enhancing the quality of education and strengthening students’ skills and expertise.

Students interested in internships are encouraged to contact their department office for more details.

Internships at RU not only provide hands-on experience but also lay the foundation for a successful career in a competitive job market.

Need more information?

HigherEd – Global Career, Internship, and Training Gateway

Reykjavik University participates in the EFMD Global Network, providing its students with access to the HigherEd platform. This platform complements the career resources already available at RU, offering students a gateway to international opportunities.

What Does HigherEd Offer?

HigherEd is ideal for:

• Icelandic students seeking global experience.
• International students looking for jobs in their home countries.

The platform features a wide range of opportunities, including:

• Internships.
• Apprenticeships.
• Training programs.
• Study positions worldwide.

Assessment and Feedback

Applicants may be required to undergo interviews, assessments, or online tests during the hiring process. HigherEd includes a feature where users receive a personalized 17-page report based on test results. This report is for personal use only and is not shared with universities or employers. It provides valuable insights into the user’s strengths and areas for improvement, helping students better understand how they might be perceived by potential employers.

Getting Started

To access HigherEd, activate your account and log in using your credentials at ru.higheredtalent.org.

HigherEd is a powerful tool for RU students to explore global opportunities, gain international experience, and prepare for a successful career.

Primary and upper secondary schools

Reykjavik University collaborates on various educational projects with Icelandic primary and upper secondary schools. RU organizes many events and presentations to introduce younger students to the diverse opportunities in university education, especially technology and science.

Young students are often invited to RU to participate in exciting projects under the guidance of university professors, who give good insight into university life and possible subjects. All future graduates of the upper secondary schools visit RU for a dynamic demonstration of the programs on offer.

Jobs and Internships

RU maintains strong ties with the industry, connecting students with opportunities for temporary projects, part-time roles, summer jobs, and long-term positions.

• Job Portal: Companies can post job openings for RU students on the university’s job board.
• HigherEd Partnership: RU collaborates with the international HigherEd platform, offering students access to internships, apprenticeships, and study positions worldwide.