The establishment of the new Northern Arctic Federal University (NARFU) will provide a powerful vitamin injection to the Arkhangelsk region. Not only in the form of funds from Moscow, but also in the form of higher status, almost doubling the number of students as well as a strengthening of many of the existing knowledge communities in the region. Three universities have united into one, a new campus will be built and the commitment to international cooperation will be increased further. For Norway, this will provide increased opportunities for collaboration. Several Norwegian institutions have for many years had a close cooperation with the universities of Arkhangelsk.

The new headmaster at NARFU, Elena Kudryashova, wants to attract Norwegian environments in business management to the region. There are also plans to establish a science park, where Norwegian companies can participate and play an active role.