In its annual budget input document Strategic Priorities, the Research Council proposes a NOK 1.8 billion increase in the research budget for 2011 – with 60 per cent of this growth dedicated to the fields mentioned above.

(Photo: Shutterstock) The climate challenge

In keeping with the broad-based political agreement on climate policy achieved in the Storting in 2008, the efforts of the Klima21 and Energi21 national forums, and the objectives set out in the government white paper Commitment to Research, the Research Council recommends growth of NOK 300 million in funding for climate research as well as NOK 180 million more for research on renewable energy.

                                                                                                                                Industry-oriented research

The Research Council proposes growth of NOK 340 million in order to promote more industry-oriented research. Studies indicate that increased public support to innovation projects will encourage the business sector to invest more in research and development.

Independent basic research

(Illustration: Jon Solberg) The Research Council also sees a need to boost independent basic research. The budget document for 2011 urges growth of NOK 150 million for the Research Council’s competitive arena for funding of independent basic research (FRIPRO).

According to the Research Council, funding for independent basic research is currently so limited that the potential for excellence in research at universities and university colleges is not being fully realised.

Equipment and infrastructure

High-quality equipment and supportive infrastructure attract the top researchers – which helps to earn Norway a reputation as a valued partner for international research collaboration in important fields.

The Research Council proposes growth of NOK 250 million for scientific equipment and research infrastructure in 2011, and an increase of NOK 3.5 billion in the capital for this area under the Fund for Research and Innovation.