The Norwegian research system may be divided into three levels: First, a political level, at which the framework conditions for research are defined and the main goals and priorities for research policies are outlined. Secondly, a strategic level, at which the Research Council of Norway has a key function. Finally, the performing level, at which we find industrial companies, research institutions, universities and colleges.

There are three general areas of priority in Norwegian research up until 2010:

• Internationalization. National research efforts shall be evaluated in the light of international developments. Research co-operation with the EU will continue to be of key importance, and bilateral co-operation with North America and Asia is to be strengthened. National advantages such as the infrastructure in Svalbard, excellent petroleum research environments and databases and health registers will be utilised as a platform for international co-operation. The objective is that this will also attract more foreign researchers to Norway. In addition, increased emphasis will be attached to research in development policy.
• Basic research is to be strengthened through the use of increased resources, strengthened professional management and funding mechanisms that foster quality. Schemes such as Centres of Excellence and Outstanding Young Investigators will be extended. Research in mathematics, natural sciences and technology will be given special priority.
• Measures designed to boost innovation, both in the public and private sector. If industry is to achieve its part of an ambitious stepping-up of research investments, public funding of research must be such that it triggers increased efforts on the part of industry. Research and renewal of the public sector will be strengthened by, among other things, increased levels of research in a changing Europe, welfare, law and democracy and migration and integration.

In addition to these general areas of priority, the Government will focus especially on: energy and the environment, health, oceans and food, and on three areas of technology – materials and nanotechnology, biotechnology and information and communication technology. These areas of priority largely represent continuation of current priorities in Norwegian research.

The Norwegian Government presented a new White Paper on research in March 2005 (Report to the Storting No. 20 (2004–2005) Commitment to Research). The White Paper outlines the Government’s ambitions and priorities with respect to research in the coming years. The Norwegian Government plans to raise total investment in research to three per cent of GDP by 2010, one per cent of which will come from public funding. It is proposed that the Norwegian Fund for Research and Innovation be increased to NOK 50 billion. The Norwegian White Paper on Research highlights three general areas of priority: internationalization, basic research and innovation.

The Department of Research under the Ministry of education and research is responsible for cross-sectoral coordination of research, and is secretariat to the Government Research Committee, chaired by the Minister of education and research. Tasks include the coordination of policies and research funding, the writing and follow-up of white papers on research, and issues related to the organisation of the science system. The Ministry of education and research funds basic research through the Research Council of Norway and has the overall responsibility for the Norwegian participation in EU research cooperation.

The Department of research has administrative responsibility for the Research Council of Norway, involving coordination with other ministries, and responsibility for the Research and Innovation Fund. Approximately one third of Norway's public sector research investment is channelled through the Research Council. Furthermore, it has responsibility for three state research institutes, as well as for basic funding for a number of private research institutions.

Approximately 20 people are employed at the Department.

International cooperation in R&D
The coordination of Norway's involvement in the EU Framework Programs for Research is the responsibility of the Department of research. The department is also responsible for Norwegian participation in international institutions, notably within nuclear physics (CERN), molecular biology (EMBL), synchrotron radiation (ESRF) and cancer research (IARC).

The Research Council of Norway plays a vital role in developing and implementing the country's national research strategy within all research areas. The council has three functions. First, it acts as a government adviser in science policy questions, identifying present and future needs for knowledge and research. Secondly, it is a funding agency for independent research programmes and projects, strategic programmes, and Norwegian participation in international research programmes. Finally, the Research Council is a co-ordinator, initiating networks and promoting co-operation between R&D institutions, ministries, business and industry, public agencies and enterprises, other sources of funding, and users of research. In 2003, the Research Council of Norway had a budget of NOK 4,4 billion. The Council was reorganized into divisions for Science, Strategic Priorities, and Innovation, as well as Communication and Administration in September 2003.

Director General
Kari Balke Øiseth
Phone: (+47) 22 24 74 60