Norway invests in the Arctic

The white paper on the High North addresses policy, resource management, industrial development and international cooperation, while identifying knowledge as the crux of all the activities. Norway aspires to be a leader in knowledge about, for and in the northern areas.

The Norwegian University centre at Svalbard (UNIS) The priorities in the new white paper correspond well with the Research Council of Norway’s assessment of the needs for research and innovation as these are described in the Council’s revised Research Strategy for the Arctic and Northern Areas.

Societal challenges and industrial development

Adaption to climate change, bioenergy, marine bioprospecting and mineral extraction are among the main research areas discussed in the white paper.

Lisbeth Berg-Hansen (Photo: Scanpix/Fiskeri- og kystdepartementet) When the white paper was presented, Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Lisbeth Berg-Hansen focused in particular on the potential for producing bioenergy from seaweed, kelp and algae. Other important marine-related areas are marine bioprospecting and the development of the seafood industry.

Close research cooperation with Russia

In connection with the presentation, Minister of Research and Higher Education Tora Aasland announced that the Government will create a new position as a counsellor for education and research to serve as a liaison in Moscow.

Tora Aasland ”Russia is a priority partner country for Norway, and this position will strengthen ties between our countries. I am looking forward to more cooperation between Norwegian and Russian knowledge circles and trade and industry in the future,” said Minister Aasland.

The Research Council has signed a separate cooperation agreement with the Russian research fund. At a recent meeting in Moscow the parties made plans to issue a joint call for proposals for research funding.