The Knowledge Network operates as a non-profit organisation, working in accordance with a confirmed articles of association which define its form of operation and the aims of its activities. The forerunner of the Knowledge Network dates back to 1999, when the Education Centre of Þingeyjar was established, which later merged with the Knowledge Network. Since then, the activities and articles of association of the Knowledge Network have changed considerably, with new areas of work and objectives being added.
Furthermore, the local context has changed, including through mergers of local authorities and institutions. The organisational charter was last updated in June 2024 and approved by the authorities in August 2024 in accordance with the law on non-profit organisations.
Article 1.
The Knowledge Network of the Thingeyjardalir, registration no. 670803-3330, is a non-profit organisation with its own board, established in accordance with the Act no. 19/1988 on funds and institutions operating under a certified articles of association. Its registered office and place of jurisdiction is in the Þingeyjar counties. The organisation is liable for its obligations with all its assets and is not subject to any other legal entities.
Article 2.
The Knowledge Network of Þingeyjar operates on the basis of the continuing education centre, the Education Centre of Þingeyjar, and the university studies and research centre, the Knowledge Network of Þingeyjar. The activities of the combined institution, operating under the name The Knowledge Network of Þingeyjar, from and including the year 2006, are based on the objectives, role and duties of both institutions.
The founding capital of the Thingeyrar Knowledge Network was kr. 5,000,000 at its establishment. Following the merger of the Thingeyrar Education Centre and the Thingeyrar Knowledge Network on 1 January 2006, the founding capital is kr. 7,487,575. Of this, kr. 5,000,000 is from the Thingeyrar Knowledge Centre and kr. 2,487,575 from the Thingeyrar Education Centre. The non-dividendable founding capital is kr. 650,000. The assets of the institution shall not be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in a manner that is inconsistent with its objectives or does not contribute to their advancement.
Article 3.
The objectives of the North East Iceland Knowledge Network are:
Continuing education
to be a centre for lifelong learning and adult education in the Þingeyjardistricts to enhance educational opportunities in the Þingeyjardistricts to offer courses and study programmes related to business and leisure to mediate in the provision of distance learning in the region in co-to collaborate with schools at the relevant school stages, to provide academic guidance and support to students and individuals considering study, and to work with businesses, local authorities and institutions on shaping their continuing education policies and bespoke training programmes.
Research and development
to be a centre for research and researchers in the North-East counties to take the initiative in research projects and research activities in the region to serve scientists and academics, individuals, postgraduate research students, institutions and organisations in the Þingeyjar regions to be a leading force in building partnerships among those conducting research in the region and to promote increased research activity by research bodies in the region to actively participate in shaping a strong innovation environment in the Þingeyjar regions in collaboration with stakeholders in the region
to build partnerships and connections between stakeholders within the Icelandic innovation ecosystem
University studies
to operate a university study centre in Húsavík and, as required, elsewhere in the Þingeyjar Region, with the necessary facilities and equipment; to work with universities to improve services in the form of distance learning and on-site study in the Þingeyjar Region; to develop study programmes and/or courses that build upon the unique natural environment and/or culture of the Þingeyjar Region in collaboration with universities.
Innovation
to promote the integration of regional educational and research activities with innovation and entrepreneurship through cluster cooperation in the area of operation. To promote the development of entrepreneurial activity and work towards improved facilities and conditions for innovation in the area, e.g. through the establishment and operation of incubators and/or fablab workshops.
Integration of knowledge work
To strengthen the settlement in the Þingeyjar regions through robust lifelong learning, services in higher education, research, and facilities for innovation. To integrate research, academic work, education, and development, and the interests of the parties involved in these fields.
Article 4.
The board of the institution consists of five members, appointed for a two-year term. The board's composition is designed to include representatives from the institution's main areas of activity, namely continuing education, research, university services and innovation, as well as regional educational activities and the local community. To achieve this aim, the board members will be drawn from the following bodies; one main board member and one deputy:
The trade unions in the North-East counties or the employers' association in North-East Iceland (continuing education)
The University of Iceland or the University of Akureyri (research and university services)
An organisation, company or individual operating in innovation on a national level (innovation)
The Secondary School in Húsavík or The Secondary School in Laugum (regional schools)
Norðurþing, Þingeyjarsveit, Langanesbyggð or Tjörneshreppur (the local community)
Primary schools in the Þingeyjarsýslur shall at all times appoint one observer with the right to attend board meetings, with the right to make proposals but without the right to vote.
The Board is responsible for ensuring that nominations are received for the Annual General Meeting. The nomination process is as follows: the aforementioned parties shall be notified in writing and asked for nominations. At the same time, nominations or candidacies for the board shall be advertised on the Knowledge Network's website and in local media, with at least two weeks' notice. If nominations for the board are not received before the general meeting, the outgoing board shall nominate a representative to the board from those parties from which a nomination has not been received. The board may instruct the director to mediate or take the initiative in seeking nominations from parties that fall under the above.
The board divides the work among its members and elects a chairman and a vice-chairman at the first meeting of the new board. At board meetings, decisions are made by a simple majority vote. In the event of a tie at board meetings, the chairman's vote carries double the weight. The chairperson of the board is obliged to call a meeting if at least two board members request it. The proceedings of board meetings shall be recorded in a minutes book, and the board is responsible for ensuring that the minutes are taken.
The Board of Directors of the Knowledge Network shall exercise the supreme authority of the organisation, formulate its policy and working procedures, and work towards the organisation's objectives in accordance with Article 3. The Board shall be responsible for the organisation's operations, finances and assets, and shall establish its rules. Board meetings shall be called with at least 5 days' notice. A board member shall recuse themselves from a meeting when matters are discussed that concern them personally. The board shall appoint a qualified auditor to review the organisation's accounts. The board is authorised to appoint committees for specific projects.
Article 5.
The annual general meeting of the non-profit organisation shall be held each year. The chairperson of the board shall call an annual general meeting with an agenda, giving at least seven days' notice, and it shall be held before 1 July each year. At the annual general meeting, the board shall present a report on the year's activities, the annual accounts for the previous financial year, and a plan for the coming year's activities. At the annual general meeting, nominations for the board shall be announced, and the previous year's accounts shall be presented along with the board's annual report.
Article 6.
The Board of Directors appoints the Director and determines their duties and remuneration. The Director is the institution's spokesperson, manages its day-to-day operations, oversees its finances and handles accounting on behalf of the Board. The Director is accountable to the Board. He works to advance the organisation's strategic objectives, secure projects and funding, and carry out any other tasks as determined by the board from time to time. The director is responsible for personnel matters but shall appoint a deputy in consultation with the board. The director shall attend board meetings with the right to speak and to make proposals.
Article 7.
The income of the North-East Iceland Knowledge Network, in addition to interest on its founding grant, is as follows: public grants, income from services and facilities, contributions from parties under agreements, contributions from companies and organisations, income from conferences and courses, and other miscellaneous income. The income and assets of the Thingeyrar Knowledge Network shall be used exclusively for any purpose that is consistent with its objectives, as per Article 3.
Article 8.
The assets of the institution shall not be mortgaged without the approval of the board. Its assets shall not be subject to any liens or encumbrances that are not relevant to the institution's purpose.
Article 9.
The accounting year of the North East Iceland Knowledge Network is the calendar year. The Director shall, by 1 December each year, submit the operating plan for the following year to the Board for approval. He shall ensure that the audited annual accounts are submitted to the National Audit Office in the prescribed manner no later than 30 June each year for the preceding year, together with a report on how the institution's funds have been allocated during that year. The accounting shall otherwise be in accordance with Act No. 19/1988 on funds and institutions operating under a confirmed articles of association.
Article 10.
This scheme of arrangement supersedes the scheme of arrangement for the Thingeyrar Knowledge Network, which was confirmed on 11 March 2004, and the scheme of arrangement for the Thingeyrar Education Centre, which was confirmed on 7 January 2000 (as amended on 29 January 2004). Both of the aforementioned articles of association shall be repealed upon the approval of these articles of association. These articles of association may only be amended with the approval of two-thirds of the board, provided that the meeting is quorate, has been called with a week's notice, and the proposal for such an amendment has been specifically included in the notice of the meeting. The Þingeyinga Knowledge Network may only be dissolved by a decision of two-thirds of the board, provided that a meeting is quorate and was called with a week's notice, and that a proposal to this effect was specifically included in the notice of the meeting. If the organisation is dissolved, its assets shall be disposed of locally in accordance with its objectives.
Article 11.
Confirmation of the Minister of Justice shall be sought for this constitution, and amendments shall receive the Minister of Justice's confirmation. The constitution shall be published in Part B of the Government Gazette.
The articles of association have been updated, referencing a resolution of the board at the 2024 Annual General Meeting.
Confirmed by a notice in the August 2024 Government Gazette.