Budget proposal for 2009:
Norwegian research moving in the right direction
The Norwegian Government has proposed a substantial increase in the research budget for 2009 compared to the past two years. Key components of the increase include measures to promote internationalisation and more funding for renewable energy research, scientific equipment and infrastructure, and user-driven research.
"Although the total increase for research is less than what has been advocated in political circles, it is positive that the budget growth is greater than in the past two years," says Director General of the Research Council Arvid Hallén, who is satisfied with the budget's profile.
In keeping with the Research Council's key priorities
Hallén is pleased that three of the largest priority areas in the budget proposal correspond with the Research Council's input: renewable energy, scientific equipment and infrastructure, and user-driven research.
"The noticeable increase of NOK 300 million to energy research is crucial. The new funding is a result of the cross-political agreement on climate policy achieved in the Storting in winter 2008. Moreover, it is positive that there is political will to allocate more resources to research in the Northern Areas. The proposed model for establishing regional research funds in Norway is also entirely in keeping with our recommendations," explains Hallén.
The Research Council also views the budget proposal's plans to increase the number of research fellowship positions and to improve the funding of these as an important step in the right direction.
More for equipment and infrastructure
Arvid Hall�
In 2009, the Research Council will award NOK 80 million in new funding for scientific equipment. The budget calls for an equipment increase of at least NOK 190 million per year from and including 2010, which will come from an increase in the Fund for Research and Innovation. Earmarked allocations of this type ensure that long-term, predictable funding will be available in an area in which the Research Council has worked long and hard to bring about necessary changes, including through a national strategy for research infrastructure that was launched in spring 2008.
Budget beneficial for industry-oriented research
Industry-oriented and user-driven research can look forward to an increase of NOK 53 million next year, primarily through the Research Council's programme on User-driven Research-based Innovation (BIA).
"It is essential that we are able to strengthen Research Council activities targeted at research within trade and industry," says Arvid Hallén, who is also happy to note that the Government supports the continuation of the SkatteFUNN tax deduction scheme for R&D expenses. The scheme is open to all companies liable to taxation in Norway.
Some substantial disappointments
The Research Council finds the budget's overall profile to be positive, but it is disappointing that the proposal does not provide an increase for long-term basic research. A proposed reduction in allocations for petroleum research also gives cause for concern.
- Published:
- 08.10.2008
- Last updated:
- 08.10.2008
