The Institute for Standardization of Serbia (ISS) had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Magnus Hakvåg, Chief Executive Officer of House of Knowledge, who visited ISS for the first time. During his full-day stay, he presented an innovative approach to education through the application of so-called “serious games”—educational games designed to facilitate knowledge acquisition and skills development.
The visit began with an introductory meeting between Mr. Hakvåg and representatives of ISS. During the meeting, participants discussed a broad range of topics, from the role and importance of standardization in contemporary society to the potential of serious games as an effective tool for education and raising awareness of standards. The discussion also focused on opportunities for using innovative learning methods to engage different target groups, particularly young people, in understanding the value and practical application of standards.
Following the meeting, ISS employees and students currently undertaking professional internships at ISS had the opportunity to experience this approach firsthand and participate in several interactive games. Through dynamic and practical engagement, participants discovered how complex topics, including those related to standardization, can be presented in an engaging, accessible, and stimulating manner.
Particular interest was shown by the students, who expressed positive views regarding this learning method and highlighted their interest in participating in similar activities in the future. Unlike traditional forms of knowledge transfer, educational games enable participants to take an active role in the learning process, fostering collaboration, creative thinking, communication skills, and the independent acquisition of new knowledge through practical experience.
House of Knowledge is a Norway-based company specializing in competence development and the design of educational games. Through cooperation with universities, non-governmental organizations, and industrial partners worldwide, the company develops solutions that promote knowledge exchange, collaboration, and professional development. The company has particular expertise in the fields of intellectual property, standards, and technology transfer, while its games are widely used by international organizations and research projects funded by the European Union.
Mr. Hakvåg’s visit represented a valuable opportunity for the exchange of experiences and ideas, as well as for gaining insight into contemporary learning methodologies that can contribute to the further enhancement of education and the promotion of standardization among young people, students, and the wider professional community. The positive reactions of participants confirmed the potential of serious games as an effective and innovative tool for communicating complex topics and encouraging active learning.
