Geopolitics, diplomacy, or idealistic research? Framing the research community in Ny-Ålesund

Figures & data

Table 1. Summary of themes.

	The idealistic frame	The diplomatic frame	The geopolitical frame
What is the research community of Ny-Ålesund?	An arena for idealistic research	A diplomatic arena	A geopolitical arena
Why is research conducted in Ny-Ålesund?	To produce knowledge that can contribute to solve global challenges such as climate change	A mean for agenda-setting	To express presence on Svalbard and in the Arctic
What is the host role about?	Promoting, coordinating, and welcoming the researchers and the research activity	To welcome official delegations	Signalling that Ny-Ålesund and Svalbard is Norwegian
Why was it perceived as necessary to strengthen the host role?	The coordination and quality of the measurements had to be ensured	There was a need to caretake diplomatic custom	Foreign actors acted like Ny-Ålesund, and Svalbard was a no man’s land
Why was the host role given to the Norwegian Polar Institute?	Being at the forefront of polar issues, research, and knowledge, the NPI was best suited to coordinate the research activity	NPI was the institution with the necessary broad understanding of international issues and geopolitics	Clear signal that Ny-Ålesund and Svalbard is Norwegian