Norway to establish new regional R&D funds

Norway is to set up between five and seven regional funds to promote research, innovation and development at a regional level. The government approved the new funds  as part of its national budget for 2009, with around NOK 285 million, (Euro 33.3 million) available for allocation beginning in 2010.

The regional funds will be used to meet county-level R&D needs, supporting projects initiated by private or public enterprises located in or outside the relevant geographic areas. Money will also be set aside to promote development of dynamic, competitive research communities in all counties.

Norway’s Research Council will now work with the counties and in consultation with the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities on the final design of the regional funds.