The background and the objective of the fund will be described as well as research areas and projects so far under the fund. The transportation and logistics area will be given special emphasis.

Olav Solem holds a MS (Siv.ing.) degree in Control Engineering (1964) and a Ph.D. (Dr.ing.) in Industrial Management (1974). Both degrees are from the former Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH), now part of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He has a broad background covering extensive experiences from different positions in academic, industrial as well as public organizations.
He has worked as a control engineer for Norsk Hydro, Eidanger Salpeterfabriker, Porsgrunn  (1965-1969) and as a doctoral fellow in Borregaard, Sarpsborg (1971-1973), two of Norway��s largest industrial companies. From 1977 to1979 he was engaged as an industrial consultant in a county of Norway called Møre and Romsdal where he mainly worked with small and medium sized companies there.
In 1969 he joined for the first time NTH/NTNU and where he has for many years been actively involved in doing research, teaching and some consulting within his specialty areas of logistics and strategic management. From 1993 Olav Solem has been a professor at Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management. At NTH/NTNU Olav Solem has also served as department chairman and department co-chairman for many years.
In addition to his ordinary teaching at NTH/NTNU he has given a large number of industry short courses continuing education classes, especially within the areas of business logistics and strategic management. He has written several textbooks and published extensively both in national and in international journals. He has presented papers at professional conferences all over the world.
He is currently involved in research projects related to Supply Chain Management, Business Process Reengineering, E-Business and Warranty Servicing Logistics.
Olav Solem has been a visiting professor at University of Wisconsin, USA (1983/84) and University of Queensland, Australia (1994/95).
He has for more than 25 years served as a member of the local government of the municipality of Melhus, where he was born and where he also has lived most parts of his life.