Norway's new government report on research:
Clear course - lacks offensive escalation objectives
The Ministry of Education and Research submitted its new white paper on research on 24 April 2009. "The white paper calls for an offensive research policy that entails substantial growth in funding in the future," says Arvid Hallén, Director General of the Research Council. But he would have liked to see the report set specific objectives for public investments.
The new white paper is a good update of research policy in areas that have evolved considerably in recent years. Thematic priority areas given particular focus include major global social challenges in the areas of energy, climate change, poverty reduction and health, and the crucial Focus on the High North Initiative is included as well. The document also establishes clear objectives for the government's role in industry-oriented research. The Research Council has been actively involved in prioritising these fields.
Major global challenges such as poverty reduction and health are given particular focus in the white paper.
More funding for basic research
Arvid Hall�n.
The white paper makes it clear that the Government intends to increase the use of broad funding instruments targeted toward basic research.
"This is a necessary signal that we expect to be followed up in the national budget for 2010," states Mr Hallén. The Research Council has proposed further development of the national arena for funding for independent projects and a large increase in allocations next year. This will mean more funding for the best projects regardless of subject, thematic area or technology.
Fund for infrastructure must be strengthened
The Government follows up on the Research Council's recommendations for a new funding model for infrastructure, and stresses the importance of earmarking a portion of the Fund for Research and Innovation for this purpose. However, the Research Council is concerned that the white paper does not address the Council's input calling for additional strengthening of the fund to provide an annual yield large enough to cover the entire need for large-scale investments in infrastructure.
The Government follows up on the Research Council's recommendations for a new funding model for infrastructure.
Recruitment high on the agenda
"The white paper on research sets clear objectives for increasing researcher recruitment and lays a solid foundation for the future debate on how we can ensure recruitment to research in general and achieve the best possible interaction between industry and research through industry-oriented PhDs. The white paper is also clear about the responsibility of institutions for facilitating an effective recruitment process," affirms Mr Hallén.
Greater internationalisation
The Research Council is satisfied with the white paper's discussion of the challenges involved in the further internationalisation of Norwegian research. "In the future we will cooperate even more actively on a bilateral basis as well as with groups of countries and in projects under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technology. This will be a major component of Norwegian research policy," explains Mr Hallén.
Disappointment with public investments and weak focus on the humanities
Director General Hallén is dismayed to see that previous objectives set for the public share of investments in research have been removed. Nor does the discussion of the Fund for Research and Innovation include elements that would give research a more predictable escalation in funding.
It is also disappointing that the white paper does not respond to the Research Council's input calling for enhanced focus on the cultural conditions needed for the development of society. And once again too little attention is being paid to the humanities, according to Mr Hallén.
Use of resources to be assessed
The Government will appoint a committee to examine how resources are allocated within the research sector and to propose changes to ensure efficient use of these resources. The Research Council wishes to take part in this process.
"Such an analysis must address the current short-term perspective of the funding system which makes planning difficult for the Research Council as well as the institutions," states Mr Hallén.
- Published:
- 28.04.2009
- Last updated:
- 28.04.2009
