The annual meeting of the Association of Knowledge Centres was held in the Westman Islands on 26th August. Representatives from all the knowledge centres within the association attended the meeting, and the islands were at their most beautiful in the fine weather. The meeting's agenda included, among other things, a review of the year's diverse activities, as well as a special look at joint projects and opportunities for continued collaboration. The agenda also included an educational talk from Gretta Jóhannesdóttir, entitled 'Has the future arrived?'. In it, she discussed the rapid advances in the field of artificial intelligence and their current impact on society and the labour market.
In addition to the meetings in the Westman Islands, participants had the opportunity to get to know the area better and the development taking place in its business life. Hörður presented the activities at the Vestmannaeyjar Knowledge Centre, and a guided tour of the islands was also provided. We learned, among other things, about innovation in crab fishing and tourism.
The meeting was both enjoyable and useful, and we sincerely thank the Vestmannaeyjar Knowledge Centre for the warm welcome and the excellent programme.
The Association of Knowledge Centres is an association of institutions that carry out research, innovation and university services in the country's regions. The centres operate in the public service with contractual and defined roles in partnership with the Ministry of University Affairs, Industry and Innovation. The aim of the association is to strengthen the collaboration of knowledge centres in the regions and to safeguard their common interests.