Odd Jarl Borch is a Professor of Strategy and Business Administration at the Nord University Business School, Bodo, Norway.  He received his M.Sc. from The Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration in Bergen, Norway in 1979, and his PhD from Umea University in Sweden in 1990.  He has a Master Mariner education from Bodin Maritime Academy.

Dr. Borch is conducting research within the field of organization and strategic management, focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation within the marine and maritime industries, and within emergency response services. He is leading several projects on maritime safety, security and emergency preparedness, with special emphasis on the Arctic.  Dr. Borch is the author of more than 150 scientific publications, and has served at several government committees within industry development, safety and preparedness.

He is the founder and first leader of the University of the Arctic thematic network on Arctic Safety and Security including 21 universities and research institutions in nine countries. He represents the UArctic as head of delegation of observers within the Arctic Council special committee on Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR) and Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME).

He is the leader of NORDLAB Nord university crisis management laboratory