This alliance aims to promote and expand opportunities for collaboration between institutions.

An important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed In June in Norway between the Design School of Universidad del Desarrollo (UDD), the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design of Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet/TKD), and Shandong University of Art & Design (SUAD). The signing took place in the presence of Alejandra Amenábar, Dean of the UDD Design School, Carl Christian Thodesen, Pro Rector for Social Impact and Collaboration of Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet/TKD) and Han Wentao, Vice President in Charge of Qingdao Campus and International Affairs of Shandong University of Art & Design (SUAD).

This agreement is part of the Design Literacy International Network, an initiative led by Úrsula Bravo, professor, researcher and editor of Base Journal UDD Design. The main objective of this alliance is to promote and expand opportunities for collaboration between the institutions involved, encouraging joint research activities and the exchange of knowledge in design education.

Alejandra Amenábar expressed her excitement, “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant step for our School and our counterparts in OsloMet and SUAD. We are thrilled about the joint research and knowledge exchange opportunities that this partnership will bring, which will enrich our academic environment and broaden our horizons. This collaboration strengthens our mission to train designers as agents of global change while underlining our commitment to sustainability and innovation in design”.

The visit to Norway, which took place between June 24-28, included the cities of Oslo and Bergen. Alejandra Amenábar and Úrsula Bravo participated on behalf of UDD and representing SUAD, Han Wentao, Vice President in charge of the Qingdao Campus and International Affairs; Zhang Changzheng, Vice Director of the International Office and Vice Dean of the School of Humanities and Arts; Wu Xiangyang, Dean of the School of Art and Digital Communication; Zhang Yan, Dean of the School of Industrial Design; and Zou Yuan, Vice Dean of the School of Fashion Design and in responsible of academic affairs at the Qingdao campus. From Norway, in addition to Carl Christian Thodesen, were representatives Liv Merete Nielsen, Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design at OsloMet/TKD; Eva Lutnæs, Professor of Design; and Janne Beate Reitan, Researcher and Editor of the journal FormAkademisk.

The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between universities to contribute to developing the International Design Literacy Network. This network promotes understanding of scientific design research, contemporary practice, and the relevance of design education. The agreement’s objectives include promoting international academic collaboration and fostering sustainable and socially ethical perspectives in design research. Activities include organising online scientific events entitled ‘Engage with Ideas’, symposia and conferences, scientific tracks at conferences, collaborative research projects and exchanging educational and academic knowledge.

In addition to the activities related to the signing of the agreement, the delegation also visited the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (Høgskulen på Vestlandet), where meetings were held with International Affairs authorities and possible future collaborations were explored. This agreement represents a significant milestone in international cooperation and promises to drive innovations and critical reflections on sustainability and design in the global context.