The VERDIKT programme:
Investing in the Internet of the future
This autumn the VERDIKT programme is focusing on the Internet of the future in its largest funding announcement to date. Priority will be given to projects within the thematic areas of Social networks, the Internet of Things and Mobile Internet.
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The call for proposals has a budgetary framework of NOK 200 million, and targets companies as well as research groups. "The decision to make such a major investment is in part because future-oriented Internet solutions are so crucial for tomorrow's value creation in Norway," says Olaug Råd, programme coordinator for the Research Programme on Core Competence and Value Creation in ICT (VERDIKT). "The time is also ripe in general to prepare for and invest in the next upturn in the world's economy," she adds.
Strong Norwegian research groups
Norway has strong ICT groups and companies that are international leaders in several areas of vital importance to future Internet solutions, such as search engines, mobile services, national databases and infrastructure. For this reason, the VERDIKT programme has chosen "Future Internet" as the overall thematic framework for this autumn's initiative. Future Internet is also a key priority area of the ICT theme under the EU Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, in which Norway is taking active part.
Three thematic priority areas
Within the overall framework of the call for proposals, the programme will give priority to the thematic areas of Social networks, the Internet of Things and Mobile Internet - all new priorities under the VERDIKT programme. Successful projects within these areas will have a substantial impact on our use of the Internet in the future.
"Future Internet refers in general to some of the greatest ICT-related challenges and opportunities the world is facing. New areas in which the Internet is being used are emerging all the time. Our focus on the Internet of things is an example of this," says Ms Råd.
New business models and the potential for individual users to fuel advancements through file sharing technology and social media will lead to more rapid development of the Internet. "Additionally, the Internet will become even more essential in the modernisation of public services, and the technologies will play a crucial role in coping with the challenges related to global climate change and energy needs," explains Ms Råd.
Outlines first
The application deadline for this autumn's NOK 200 million funding announcement is 25 November. Groups applying for funding for Researcher Projects or Knowledge-building Projects with User Involvement (KMB) must also submit a mandatory project outline by 14 October, while those applying for funding for User-driven Innovation Projects (BIP) may voluntarily submit project outlines.
Access the entire call for proposals here.
Investment over several years
Future Internet will be a key area of focus for the VERDIKT programme and the Research Council in the future. Another call for proposals in the same thematic areas with a budgetary framework of up to NOK 150 million is already planned for next autumn.
- Published:
- 25.09.2009
- Last updated:
- 25.09.2009
