| dc.description.abstract | The port-city relationship has deteriorated over time since the early 20TH century. The need for land, pollution, social welfare, and fast-paced globalization contribute to the evolution of the port-city relationship. The objective of this master thesis paper is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the Port-City Symbiotic Collaboration in Norway. This paper identifies the challenges of achieving port-city symbiosis and the drivers for a symbiotic collaboration in business development and project implementation. In addition, the study analyzes the relationship between municipalities and small and medium landlord ports in Norway located inside or near the city center and the community. Consequently, a combination of one-on-one virtual and semi-structured interviews were conducted using seven structured questions with seven experienced professionals from the port authorities and three municipalities. Recordings from the interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed with NVIVO software (a qualitative analyzing software). The results underline two relevant themes, i.e., areas of conflict/challenges and drivers in working symbiotically. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that imprecise role awareness, unclear communication, and less cooperation are the main barriers besides land, social, and politics. Hence, considered the zone for improvement. It is crucial to have a consistent and honest dialogue, commitment to cooperation, and competent trust to create a symbiotic collaboration. Thus, exerting focus on sustainability as a starting point allows synergy. Furthermore, it builds trust among city/state politicians and the community to cooperate, openly communicate, collaborate, and be innovative in achieving port-city sustainability goals.
Keywords: port-city relations, symbiosis, collaboration, sustainability, communication | en_US |
