Welcome Haakon to KEA!

We’re excited to welcome Haakon, who joins KEA as a research trainee, bringing a rich and diverse background in the cultural and creative industries (CCIs), and a strong passion for music, cinema, and innovation.

🎓 A quick look at Haakon’s journey

“I am a Norwegian with a passion for music and cinema, as well as a strong interest in culture and creativity and the role they play both in business and in our daily lives. With an MSc in Management of Creative Business Processes from Copenhagen Business School and a BA in Popular Music from the University of South Wales, my academic path has given me a solid grounding in the dynamics of the CCIs and sparked a particular interest in the connection between creativity, motivation, and how their interplay can foster innovation. This is reflected in my master’s thesis, where I explored creativity in the gaming industry.”

Haakon brings hands-on experience from across the CCIs and the business sector, including music production for media and film, festival organisation, youth work, and project management. His ability to connect creative practice with business and policy perspectives makes him a valuable addition to our team.

🚀 His mission at KEA

“My mission is to support the projects and initiatives KEA is involved in. I want to bring curiosity, a positive attitude and my diverse experience to help drive projects forward. By drawing on my background in both the creative and more traditional industries, I hope to contribute to bridging the gap between analytical concepts and practical solutions.”

We’re looking forward to seeing how Haakon’s interdisciplinary approach will enrich our work and help us push boundaries in the creative sector.

🎧 Creativity, innovation, and curiosity

“I was introduced to culture and creativity mainly through music and film at an early age. This opened the door to learning guitar, and I eventually spent much of my teenage years playing in bands and working on other musical projects in my hometown of Oslo. The joy and freedom I found in creating music later grew into a deeper interest in creativity, innovation and the creative industries in general.”

“For my master’s thesis, I explored how creativity is perceived and enacted by developers in the gaming industry. This further strengthened my interest in creativity as a concept, and in how it can be fostered. In a digital age, I think learning more about the conditions where creativity can thrive, as well as what drives us to create becomes increasingly more important – shaping how we work, how we innovate and how we connect in the CCIs and businesses, as well as in our daily lives.”

🌲 Outside of work

“As a huge fan of music, film and cultural events, I take every opportunity to go to concerts or the cinema whenever I can. When I’m not listening to others’ music, I enjoy creating my own. Whether it’s on my acoustic guitar or through music production software, having a creative outlet not only helps me relax, but also challenges and inspires me. I also like to stay active by going to the gym or training with my football team a couple of times a week. As a Norwegian, it comes as no surprise that I enjoy spending time in nature and going on hikes (something I wish I could do more often). On quieter weekends, I like to explore different neighbourhoods, trying out new restaurants or bars.”

Welcome aboard, Haakon! We’re thrilled to have you with us and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make.