Digitalization, data capture and new technologies are rapidly changing how the seafood industry works, makes decisions and creates value. At NCE Seafood Innovation, we see this development clearly and we know that digital competence is not only important, but absolutely crucial for the industry to succeed in the years to come.
Digitalization, data capture and new technologies are rapidly changing how the seafood industry works, makes decisions and creates value. At NCE Seafood Innovation, we see this development clearly and we know that digital competence is not only important, but absolutely crucial for the industry to succeed in the years to come.
That is precisely why digitalization has become one of our strategic focus areas, and that is why we have, in close collaboration with the University of Bergen (UiB), developed a practical and flexible online course that will give employees in the seafood industry a long-awaited competence boost.
The result is DIGI610B – Amazing Data for the Seafood Industry. This is a course that gives employees across the entire value chain an accessible and understandable introduction to how digitalization and data actually affect everyday work. The course is open for registration now, will provide 2.5 credits and will start on February 2, 2026.
A skills boost the industry has demanded
Through our focus groups and the ongoing dialogue we have with member companies, we clearly see that the need for digital competence is increasing. Many are demanding more accessible, practical and relevant competence measures that can be taken in a busy working day. This online course has been developed precisely to respond to that demand and we hope that it can become a tool that really helps the industry further in its digital development.
– We see that there is a need for digital competence in the industry. Digitalization is happening now, and the industry needs competence that keeps up with the pace. We hope this topic will be a step in the right direction, and can respond to some of the needs that the industry is facing,” says Fride Iversen, senior project manager for competence at NCE Seafood Innovation.
Academia and industry hand in hand
The course has been developed by researchers at the Centre for the Science of Learning & Technology (SLATE) at UiB, in dialogue with NCE Seafood Innovation and several industry players. The goal has been to create a learning experience that is both research-based and practically relevant.
Associate Professor Fredrik Breien and researcher Sofie Steinsund, SLATE, University of Bergen , explain :
– “In spring 2025, we completed a pilot of the course, with 30 students from the seafood industry. The feedback from the pilot was exceptionally good. In particular, the students report that the course's modular, online organization, with less on-the-job submissions, makes the course work well alongside regular work.
During 2025, we have worked to further develop and adapt Fantastic Data so that it meets the seafood industry's need for increased knowledge and expertise in data and digitalization. In this process, a competent reference group from the seafood industry has provided valuable input on how Fantastic Data can be adapted and made more relevant for all employees in the industry, in terms of content and tasks, to put the subject in a seafood/maritime context ,” conclude Breien and Steinsund.
