Cooperation between Norway and countries in Asia

From a Norwegian perspective, cooperation is especially desirable in areas where research activities are of high international standard in Norway and the partner country alike. Research on global challenges related to climate, energy, the environment and welfare is of special interest. Both Norway and the most important Asian research nations are giving high priority to technology fields such as ICT, biotechnology, nanotechnology and materials science.

Research cooperation with countries such as China and India is highly relevant in connection with strategies for and insight into poverty reduction, development issues and labour markets. Rapid growth and restructuring in Asia have also drawn more attention to environmental challenges, such as reducing the impact of climate change and the loss of biodiversity and the effects of higher levels of pollution. Norway has a great deal to offer as a partner in these areas.

Close cooperation with selected countries

The Research Council has developed an especially close research collaboration with China, India and Japan.

The Programme for Research Cooperation with China (CHINOR), which is designed to facilitate Sino-Norwegian cooperation, gives priority to research on climate change, the environment, welfare and climate technology. Norwegian institutions work closely with Chinese specialist circles on a number of areas such as energy, architecture, technology, medicine and health.

Read more about research cooperation between Norway and China.

Norway has achieved extensive, well-developed collaboration with India on vaccination research through the Programme on Global Health and Vaccination Research (GLOBVAC). The new Norwegian Programme for Research Cooperation with India (INDNOR) has a broader thematic range and puts special focus on global challenges.

Read more about research cooperation between Norway and India

Norway’s cooperation with Japan is concentrated on the areas of energy, food safety, new materials/nanotechnology and polar research. In addition, space and climate research, as well as research on the northern areas, have been introduced as potential areas for future cooperation.

Read more about research cooperation between Norway and Japan.

Norway also cooperates closely with Singapore on research related to maritime activities and shipping. The Research Council will not be launching special initiatives for cooperation with other Asian countries, but will follow up existing agreements and political initiatives already in place for South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.