My Eu-SPRI Research Stay: Reflections from Utrech
by Silje Marie Svartefoss
I recently spent three months at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development in Utrecht through the Eu-SPRI Circulation Scheme, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. My main goal was to advance my second PhD paper focusing on how governments implement missions. Regular discussions with my host supervisor, Iris Wanzenböck, were invaluable. Tese conversations helped me refine the framing of my paper, and now only minor edits remain before submission to a journal. Beyond writing, I immersed myself in a vibrant academic environment. Weekly seminars and activities organised by the Mission-Oriented Policy Observatory (MIPO) gave me fresh perspectives. Presenting my work to MIPO was a highlight—the feedback I received improved the clarity and structure of my research. Networking was another major benefit. I connected with leading scholars and fellow PhD students, which broadened my understanding of mission-oriented innovation policy in the Netherlands. While a comparative study with Norway wasn’t feasible within my timeline, these insights will enrich my thesis by placing Norwegian findings in a broader context. If you’re an early-career researcher, I wholeheartedly recommend applying for the Eu-SPRI Circulation Scheme—even for a short stay. It accelerated my research and expanded my network. My advice? Embrace the opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives. This experience reaffirmed how collaborative environments can drive impactful research on sustainability and innovation policy.