Mission, mandate and vision

An important objective is to ensure that Norway adequately invests in research and development (R&D) activity.

Cohesive strategic approach

The Research Council promotes a cohesive strategic approach to the establishment of new fields of research, the development of higher calibre research and the implementation of new initiatives to meet the needs of society.

It is the task of the Research Council to identify Norway’s research needs and recommend national priorities. Using targeted funding schemes, the Council helps to translate national research policy goals into action.

Structure and cooperation

The Research Council works to enhance financial and quality targets in Norwegian research and innovation activities. The Council also works to design a sound underlying structure for the research system and develop new forms of interaction between the research community, trade and industry and the public administration.

The Research Council provides a central meeting place for researchers, users of research and research funders and actively promotes the internationalisation of Norwegian research.

The Research Council’s vision: In the Vanguard of Norwegian Research

Research and development expand the boundaries of what we know, understand and can achieve. They add cultural resonance to society and establish a viable basis for sustainable development, increased welfare and greater value creation.

The Research Council works to promote high-calibre research and win greater acknowledgment of research as a cultural, value-creating force that fuels social development.

A knowledge-based society is dependent on a research establishment that is on the cutting edge internationally. The Research Council seeks to strengthen the international position of Norwegian research together with other players in the research system.

Four key challenges

• To enhance the capacity and quality of Norwegian research.
• To strengthen research in areas of particular importance for research, trade and industry, and society at large.
• To promote constructive cooperation, distribution of responsibility and structures in the research system.
• To translate research results into action.