Main photo: Visit Bodø/Drone Nord
Since its inception in 1980, the Nordic Conference on Small Business Research (NCSB) has been a cornerstone of scholarly exchange in the Nordic tradition, fostering an open, inclusive atmosphere that encourages dialogue and collaboration among researchers in the fields of small business and entrepreneurship.
The 2026 NCSB conference in Bodø, Norway, proudly continues this tradition. We welcome submissions from all areas of small business and entrepreneurship research. The conference program features a dynamic mix of general tracks and special theme tracks, with the latter highlighting topics central to Nordic research. All tracks include research paper presentations followed by constructive plenary discussions designed to inspire and advance scholarly work.
A highlight of the conference will be keynote speeches by leading international scholars, offering fresh perspectives and thought-provoking insights.
As a pre-conference event, we invite doctoral students to participate in the Doctoral Consortium on May 18. This is a unique opportunity to present extended thesis or paper proposals, receive valuable feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with experienced faculty members in the field.
If you wish to explore entrepreneurship education in even greater depth, note that Nord University also hosts the 3E conference right after NCSB.
Saltstraumen (Photo: Terje-Rakke-Nordic-Life_www.nordnorge.com) Bodø, the host city of NCSB 2026, is a vibrant coastal hub located just above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway. Home to around 54,000 residents and covering 1,395 square kilometers, Bodø offers a striking blend of Arctic wilderness and modern urban life. Today, Bodø serves as the administrative center of Nordland County.
Just outside the city lies Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest tidal current, a spectacular natural phenomenon only 28 km from the city center. Bodø’s rich history includes Stone Age and Viking settlements in the Saltstraumen area, a thriving herring fishery in the 1800s, and a dramatic rebuilding after the city was bombed in World War II.
The city is also known for its football miracle: Bodø/Glimt, the local team, has won the Norwegian Eliteserien in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024, and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League in spring 2025, an extraordinary achievement that has brought international attention to this Arctic city.
We warmly encourage participants to extend their stay and experience Bodø’s breathtaking surroundings. Surrounded by fjords, mountains, glaciers, and a dramatic coastline, Bodø offers world-class opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
For details on getting to Bodø, getting around, accommodation, and things to do while here, please visit the Practical Information section.
Concert at Keiservarden (Photo: Bjoern-Erik-Olsen_www.nordnorge.com) The NCSB conference offers doctoral students an arena to develop their research projects through discussions with peers and experienced researchers in their line of research. The NCSB2026 Doctoral Consortium will take place on May 18 from 9AM to 5PM.
Chairperson:
Prof. Einar Rasmussen (Nord University, Norway)
Co-organizers:
Prof. Henrik Berglund (Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden)
Prof. Johan Wiklund (Syracuse University, US and Nord University)
Prof. Ulla Hytti (Turku, Finland)
Ass. Prof. Argyro (Iro) Nikiforou (DTU, Denmark)
Application deadline: 15 February 2026
The NCSB2026 Doctoral Consortium offers a great opportunity for doctoral students in entrepreneurship and small business research. Participants can present their extended thesis or paper proposals, gain valuable insights to enhance their work, and engage in discussions with experienced faculty members. This workshop serves as a platform for sharing research experiences and cultivating new ideas, attracting both early-career and established researchers from around the world, making it an ideal networking hub. We particularly encourage early-stage doctoral students to participate as a means of entering the international research community in entrepreneurship.
The workshop is structured into morning and afternoon sessions. The morning session includes facilitated talks, lectures, and interactive discussions on common challenges in entrepreneurship research. In the afternoon, students convene in round tables to discuss their individual research papers/proposals in small groups, with one senior faculty member leading and moderating each discussion. Peer feedback is also strongly encouraged.
Doctoral candidates interested in attending and presenting their thesis or paper proposal (not the results of completed research) should submit an abstract (600-800 words) by 15 February 2026 using this link: https://nettskjema.no/a/517592 The submission should include details on when you started your Ph.D. studies and your expected completion date. The abstract should adhere to these guidelines: (i) clarify the research’s relevance, (ii) provide the theoretical foundation, (iii) state the research question(s), (iv) outline the proposed methodology, and (v) describe the expected contributions to the field.
Accepted participants are required to send an extended thesis proposal or paper proposal/draft (minimum 2500 words, maximum 8000 words, excluding the reference list) by 30 April 2026. This draft proposal will serve as the basis for the afternoon discussions and will be shared with other doctoral students and round table leaders.
An award will be granted to the best doctoral work submitted to the NCSB2026 Doctoral Consortium.
The workshop has a participant limit of 20 students. Proposals are evaluated based on quality, with priority given to early-stage students if necessary. Applicants will receive notifications of proposal acceptance no later than 29 February 2026.
Note that no fee is charged for participation in the workshop. However, participation in the NCSB conference is required. Accepted participants must therefore remember to register for the conference through the regular registration process. Upon acceptance to the Doctoral Consortium, students qualify for a reduction of the official conference fee, generously sponsored by NCSB. Please note though, that students do need not present a paper at the conference itself to participate in the Doctoral Consortium, although this is encouraged.
More details about the Doctoral Consortium will be provided alongside your acceptance letter. For additional information regarding the NCSB2026 Conference itself, please visit the main conference website.
Track 1: Circularity for Sustainable Development in the Arctic and Peripheries
Track 2: Entrepreneurial Decision Making in Uncertain Times
Track 3: Entrepreneurship Education and Incubation Inside and Outside the University
Track 4: Entrepreneurship for Social Change & Impact
Track 5: Entrepreneurship in the Space Industry
Track 6: From Student Projects to Startups: Building Pathways in Regional Innovation Ecosystems
Track 7: Gender and Entrepreneurship
Track 8: Growth and Digitalization in SMEs
Track 9: Refugee and Immigrant Entrepreneurship and Integration
Track 11: Succession Beyond Kinship: Rethinking Leadership Transitions in Family Firms
Track 12: Sustainability in Entrepreneurship and Small Business
Abstracts should be approximately 900 words and include the following: objectives, theoretical foundation, approach/methods, preliminary results/findings, and expected contributions.
When submitting your abstract, you will be asked to select a track theme. The list of tracks and their descriptions is available on the conference website.
Do not include your name or affiliation in the abstract.
Submit your abstract no later than 20 January 2026 using the following link: https://nettskjema.no/a/ncsb2026
Guidelines for full paper
In case your abstract is accepted, we will welcome you to submit your full paper to the NCSB2026 conference! The deadline for full papers is 15th of April 2026. Information about where to submit the full paper will be announced later.
If your abstract is accepted, it will also be possible to present your research at NCSB2026 without submitting a full paper. In this case, you must submit a revised (extended) abstract by the above deadline to secure your spot on the conference programme.
Instructions for writing the full paper for NCSB2026 Conference
Title and headings: Title of the paper should be concise, centered and written in capitals, Times New Roman, font size 14 pt. Headings should be in bold, left aligned, and with 12 pt. font size. Subheadings should be in italics, left aligned, and 12 pt.
Author(s): Please write the names and affiliations of the author/authors after the title of the paper. Please insert also the contact information (email) of the corresponding author.
Abstract: Abstract of the full paper should be no longer than 150 words and it should follow the contact information.
Main text: The main text should be written in Times New Roman, 12 pt., left and right aligned and single lines spacing throughout with 2.5 centimeters margins on the left, right, top and bottom. The total length of the paper is not advised to exceed 20 pages including abstract, references and appendices.
Figures and tables: Figures and tables should be placed as close as possible to where they are cited. Center titles above figures and tables and written the Figure and Table titles in bold and with 12 pt. font size.
Footnotes: Footnotes should be typed in 10 pt. font size at the bottom of the page.
Page numbers: Page numbers should be on the top in the middle.
References: References in text should be in alphabetical and chronological order. In the list of references, references should also be in alphabetical and chronological order.
Submissions: We would prefer to receive the full papers in PDF format. Information about where to submit the full paper will be announced later.
The organisers of NCSB2026 is The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Division at Nord University Business School Contact the organisers at NCSB2026@nord.no.
Scientific committee:
- Aki Harima (Tallinn University of Technology)
- Arnis Sauka (Stockholm School of Economics in Riga)
- Carina Lomberg (Technical University of Denmark)
- Claus Thrane (Aarhus University)
- Ewald Kibler (Aalto University)
- Jorunn Grande (Nord University)
- Karin Berglund (Stockholm University)
- Kim Klyver (University of Southern Denmark)
- Kristian Nielsen (Aalborg University)
- Lise Aaboen (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)
- Magnus Aronsson (Esbri)
- Malin Tillmar (Linnaeus University)
- Mats Westerberg (Luleå University of Technology)
- Pekka Stenholm (University of Turku)
- Steffen Korsgaard (University of Southern Denmark)
- Tomas Karlsson (Chalmers University of Technology)
- Truls Erikson (University of Oslo)
- Ulla Hytti (University of Turku)
Preliminary Conference Program
Subject to change
Date Time Event Location Monday, 18 May 09:00–17:00 Doctoral Consortium Nord University Campus Bodø 19:00-21:00 Welcome Reception TBA Tuesday, 19 May 09:00–09:20 Opening of NCSB 2026 Nord University Campus Bodø 09:20–10:00 Keynote 10:00–10:30 Coffee Break 10:30–12:00 Parallel Paper Sessions 12:00–13:00 Lunch Main Canteen, Campus Bodø 13:00–14:30 Parallel Paper Sessions Nord University Campus Bodø 14:30–15:00 Coffee Break 15:00–16:30 Parallel Paper Sessions 19:00 Conference Dinner Bådin Bryggeri Wednesday, 20 May 09:00–10:00 Keynote Radisson Blu Hotel 10:00–10:30 Coffee Break 10:30–12:00 Parallel Paper Sessions 12:00–12:30 Closing Session 12:30 Lunch We are pleased to announce that the following keynote speakers will join us:
More information will follow.
Practical information
Doctoral Consortium (18th May) and Main Conference Day 1 (19th May)
Universitetsalléen 11
8026 BodøNord University is a dynamic institution with a strong focus on regional development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Although formally established in 2016, it builds on decades of experience in higher education through the merger of the University of Nordland, Nesna University College, and Nord-Trøndelag University College.
With approximately 11,300 students and 1,400 employees across multiple campuses in Northern and Central Norway, Nord University plays a vital role in promoting sustainable development, innovation, and knowledge creation in the Arctic and beyond. The university offers future-oriented study programs and conducts research in areas such as blue and green growth, entrepreneurship, health, and welfare.
The Bodø campus offers modern facilities and a scenic location, providing an inspiring setting for academic exchange and collaboration, making it an ideal venue for the opening day of the conference.
Welcome Reception (18th May)
8006 Bodø The concert hall is a modern and well-equipped building that houses four halls. Stormen aims to make Bodø a better place to live, by offering a variety of experiences in addition to stimulating and collaborating with the city's cultural life. The building is part of the Cultural Quarter, which was completed in 2014 and has won several architectural awards
Conference Dinner (19 th May)
Tolder Holmers vei 6
8003 BodøBådin Bryggeri was founded in 2012 by an eclectic group of friends, that included an engineer, a doctor, a librarian, a designer and an economist. The brewery has since been a pioneer when it comes to Arctic craft beer.
With a strong focus on innovation and tradition, Bådin has built up a large portfolio of beers that are praised both at home and abroad. One of the most important success criteria has always been to experiment with new styles and flavours - which has resulted in new beers being launched every month, which in turn is an important contribution to keeping the brewery's portfolio varied and always current.
Main Conference, Day 2 (20th May)
Storgata 2
8006 BodøRadisson Blu Hotel Bodø is a centrally located business hotel with stunning views of the harbor and city. It features modern conference facilities, comfortable rooms, and a rooftop bar with a panoramic view, making it an ideal venue for the final day of the conference.
Bodø is easy to reach—whether you're flying in or arriving by train, car, or bus.
By Plane
Bodø Airport (BOO) is just minutes from the city center.
- Daily flights from Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø, and Lofoten
- From Oslo there are frequent international connections.
- Airlines: Norwegian, SAS, Widerøe
From the airport to the city center:
- Bus (departs outside terminal)
- Taxi (approx. NOK 150–200)
- Walk (20–25 minutes)
By Train
The Nordland Railway normally connects Trondheim and Bodø, but some recent natural events have made parts of the route unstable. Before planning a trip by train, please check updated information at www.vy.no or www.entur.no.
For a more reliable option by bus, the Vy Express coach offers regular bus departures between Trondheim and Bodø (approx. 11 hours).
By Car
Drive via E6 to Fauske, then RV80 to Bodø.
- From Oslo: approx. 17 hours
- Coastal Route RV17 offers a scenic detour via Helgeland
- Note: Some routes include ferries
- Parking in Bodø may require payment
Getting Around in Bodø
Public Transport
Bodø offers a fully electric bus service, one of the first of its kind globally. The buses are modern, quiet, and environmentally friendly, with charging ports, seat belts, and spacious interiors.
- Plan your trip: https://www.reisnordland.no/
- Buy tickets: Use the Reis app → https://www.reisnordland.no/kjop-bussbillett
Getting Between Bodø City Centre and Nord University Campus
The Nord University Bodø campus (venue for Day 1 of the Main Conference and the Doctoral Consortium) is located in Mørkved, about 10 km from Bodø city centre. Bus line 2 runs frequently between the city centre (“Bodø sentrum”) and the university (“Universitetet”).
- Plan your trip: https://www.reisnordland.no/
- Buy tickets: Use the Reis app → https://www.reisnordland.no/kjop-bussbillett
Taxi & Ride Services
Taxis are available via Bodø Taxi and Uber.
- Bodø Taxi: https://www.07550.no/, Taxifix app, or call +47 22 38 83 09
- Uber: Use the Uber app
Other Options
Bodø’s city center is compact and easy to explore on foot, with electric scooters and bicycles also available for rent.
Bodø offers a wide range of hotels, from modern conference venues to charming boutique stays. While Norway doesn’t use a star rating system, most hotels in Bodø offer service and quality equivalent to 4-star standards. For NCSB2026, we have arranged special rates at the venue for Day 2 of the Main Conference: Radisson Blu Hotel Bodø. You’ll also find a list of other recommended hotels nearby for your convenience.
Radisson Blu Hotel Bodø – Main Conference Hotel
Storgata 2, 8001 Bodø
Phone: +47 75 51 90 00
Email: info.bodo@radissonblu.comLocated in the heart of Bodø with stunning views over the harbor and city, Radisson Blu offers comfortable rooms, excellent conference facilities, and a popular rooftop bar with a panoramic 360 view of Bodø. The hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the waterfront promenade, making it an ideal base for both academic engagement and leisure.
Special Conference Rate
Valid for stays between 17–21 May 2026 (limited availability, first-come, first-served):
- Single room: 1 100 NOK per night (incl. breakfast)
The rates offered include VAT, coffee/tea facilities, in-room safe, TV with screen mirroring, and wireless internet. A supplement for double rooms is NOK 200 per room per night.
Check-in from 3:00 PM / Check-out by 12:00 PM.
[Use this booking link to reserve at the special rate] (will be available soon)
Reservation deadline: 23 March 2026 (Unclaimed rooms will be released after this date)
Example image – actual room may vary in furniture and layout. Other Hotel Options (no special rates)
All hotels listed below are within walking distance of Radisson Blu Hotel Bodø, expect for Wood Hotel Bodø, which requires a short drive (10 min drive):
- Quality Hotel Ramsalt – Stylish waterfront hotel with excellent amenities. This is the main conference hotel for the 3E conference.
- Scandic Havet – Seaside hotel with panoramic views and rooftop dining
- Comfort Hotel Bodø – Trendy and casual with smart design
- Thon Hotel Nordlys – Peaceful marina location with relaxed atmosphere
- Thon Partner Hotel Skagen (Skagen Hotel) – Cozy and traditional, slightly outside the center
- Scandic Bodø – Central location near the harbor, ideal for business and leisure
- Smarthotel Bodø – Budget-friendly with compact rooms and self-service
- Home Hotel Grand Bodø (Grand Hotel) – Historic charm near shopping and harbor
- Wood Hotel Bodø – Luxury nature retreat with spa and rooftop pool (10 min drive)
Attending the conference in Bodø is not only an academic experience – it is also a chance to explore one of the most exciting regions in Northern Norway. With the conference taking place in May, you will arrive at a wonderful time of year when the days are long, and the landscape is turning green after winter.
If you plan to arrive a little early, you can even experience Norway’s Constitution Day on 17 May, the biggest national celebration of the year. In Bodø, the streets fill with parades, music, and people dressed in traditional bunads, creating a lively and unforgettable atmosphere.
If you are looking to explore entrepreneurship education in even greater depth, Nord University will also be hosting the3E Conference right after NCSB. Together, the two conferences offer a great opportunity for a full week of scholarly exchange in Northern Norway.
During your stay, take time to enjoy what Bodø and the nearby region has to offer:
- Stroll through the city centre, with its cafés, restaurants, and shops. Don’t miss fresh local seafood.
- Visit Stormen Concert Hall and the Norwegian Aviation Museum, two of Bodø’s cultural highlights.
- Explore the Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest tidal current – a natural wonder just outside the city.
- Go hiking in the nearby mountains for panoramic views over the coast and islands. The top Keiservarden is the undisputed favorite of the people of Bodø, offering a 360-degree view of the city and mountains (see hiking info here).
- Take a boat trip to nearby islands or even the spectacular Lofoten archipelago.
If you wish to extend your trip, Bodø is a perfect gateway to the north. You can follow the scenic Coastal Route (Kystriksveien) southwards, take a ferry to Lofoten, or continue your journey further north to Tromsø or Svalbard.
For more inspiration and practical travel information, visit:
Saltstraumen (Photo: Terje Rakke /nordnorge.com) 
Bodø Havn (Photo: Ernst Furuhatt/nordnorge.com) 
Flymuseet (Photo: Tommy Andreassen/nordnorge.com) 
Stormen Concert Hall (Photo: Kathrine Sørgård/nordnorge.com) Conference registration will open in 2026.
The 2026 participation fees (VAT included) are as follows:
‘Ordinary’ participants (registration after March 6, 2026) 5 750 NOK
‘Early bird’ participants (registration before March 6, 2026) 4 600 NOK
Participants attending the Doctoral Consortium 3 050 NOK
The attendance fee includes
- Welcome reception
- Conference dinner
- Attendance in all scientific programme during the main conference
- Coffees and lunches on the conference days as marked in the programme
- Possibility to reserve accommodation with a special conference rate
- Conference materials
Important Dates
Submission of abstract – January 20, 2026
Submission of full paper – April 15, 2026
Early registration – before March 6, 2026
Latest registration – April 15, 2026
