Top 10 is a research project, annual award and media profiling project aimed at promoting successful immigrants in Norway. Top 10 was initiated in 2004 by Lisa Cooper and implemented in cooperation with Irmelin Drake with the purpose of finding, selecting, profiling and researching ten international women who had succeeded in the Norwegian workworld. The focus on successful international women was unique and created a greater reflection and insights into the barriers and strategies to integration. In 2005, Top 10 included successful international men in the profile. A unique and key factor for the project has been to reflect on the barriers and strategies to integration.

Top 10 is owned by the Leadership Foundation - see www.leadershipfoundation.no

Results

The project has been successful in highlighting and profiling the competencies of international men and women in Norwegian society through renowned positive media attention and the various presentations at relevant conferences and seminars. The profiling of the candidates selected in the national newspapers has contributed to the celebration of differences and the achievements of the group. This has, in our opinion, impacted positively on the inclusion of immigrants in Norwegian society. Several of the winners have been further profiled and honored in their workplace as a result of Top 10 and as such positively influenced the inclusion of immigrants at the workplace. 

The project had a positive effect given the network approach used. International immigrant networks in Norway were used to search and pre-select candidates, head public relations and organize jury meetings. This activity empowered local network organizations, giving them added visibility, credibility in their local areas and recognition on a national basis.

The policy recommendations and strategies outlined in the reports have provided insights for politicians and other interest groups in their work on areas of diversity, specifically by highlighting the added value that international men and women possess.

The project has consistently received financing from various government institutions in Norway from 2004-2007. The project was listed and described in Norway’s white paper on Integration in 2003-2004 (Stortingsmelding 49, Mangfold gjennom inkludering og deltakelse, Ansvar og frihet) and in the national budget in 2005 and 2006.

The Top 10 project is unique in promoting role models within the international community to society at large. The 2008 addition of a Top 10 network (kick-off meeting was held in June 2008) will further enhance the impact of this group in society with over 40 highly qualified role models dedicated to promoting positive integration.

See link to pdf – Executive summary in English from 2004 report