The Research Council of Norway / Norges forskningsråd

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

The Research Council of Norway provides funding and policy guidance to advance research and innovation in Norway.

Target Customer

Research organisations, businesses, and public sector entities that can apply for funding from the Research Council of Norway.

Key Differentiator

Large, centralized public funding body with multi-portfolio governance (11 project portfolios with boards), strong government policy alignment, and international program links (e.g., Horizon Europe, FRIPRO).

Implementation Timeline

Not explicitly stated for all programs. The organization notes annual funding cycles, calls for proposals, and ongoing portfolio governance. Some events and program updates are dated October 2025, indicating ongoing activity and cycles.

Pain Points

1Need for stable, significant funding to support top Norwegian research and innovation (funding pool exceeds NOK 11 billion annually).
2Concerns about academic freedom and independence in research (noted as a topic in Forskningssamtalen 2025).
3Bridging research outputs to societal impact and policy (emphasis on societal transformation and sustainability).

Key Features

1Calls for proposals and funding accessible to research organisations, business, and public sector.
2The Project Databank and publication of application results.
311 project portfolios governed by boards with expertise to invest in top projects.
4Significant annual funding distribution (~NOK 11 billion).
5Public-facing initiatives, including Forskningssamtalen conference and annual prize events (Innovasjonsprisen and Formidlingsprisen).
6National and international program involvement (Horizon Europe, FRIPRO, SkatteFUNN, etc.).
7Auxiliary programs and resources (e.g., The Green Platform, regionals funds, statistics/evaluations).
8Two-factor login security for SkatteFUNN and new Min-side systems.

Target Customer Industries

Decision Makers

1Stortingspresident
2Forsknings- og høyere utdanningsminister
3Førsteamanuensis i kunstig intelligens ved NTNU
4Daglig leder i Stiftelsen Tinius
5Styreleder i Schibsted
6Astronaut, filmfotograf og gründer
7Professor i statsvitenskap ved Universitetet i Oslo
8Musiker, komiker, forfatter og programleder
9Seniorrådgiver ved Senter for langsiktig politikk
10Styreleder i Akademiet for yngre forskere (AYF)
11Rektor ved Universitetet i Oslo
12Doktorgradsstipendiat ved Universitetet i Agder
13Administrerende direktør i Norges forskningsråd
14Konferansier
15Strategi, rådgivning og samfunnsdialog

Client Results

1Distributes more than NOK 11 billion annually to the best Norwegian research and innovation.
2Examples of funded initiatives (from 2025 news): NOK 170 million for research on climate and natural-risk topics; NOK 218 million for research on animal welfare and sustainable feed.

Competitive Advantages

1Large, stable public funding pool with broad eligibility (research organisations, business, public sector).
2Portfolio-based governance with dedicated boards for investment in top projects.
3Strong emphasis on independent, evidence-based research and a democratic, knowledge-based society.
4Active connection to national policy and international funding opportunities (Horizon Europe, FRIPRO, etc.).
5Public recognition and dissemination through awards and annual congresses (Forskningssamtalen, Innovasjonsprisen, Formidlingsprisen).

Key Benefits

1Access to substantial funding for research and innovation.

2Structured portfolio governance to optimize investments in high-potential projects.

3Policy alignment and contribution to societal goals (sustainability, democracy, knowledge-based society).

4Opportunities for national and international collaboration and funding (Horizon Europe, FRIPRO, SkatteFUNN, etc.).

5Public events, awards, and dissemination of research results.

Additional Product Information

Product Description

A government-funded research policy advisor and funding body that distributes annual funding for research and innovation, operates the Project Databank, administers calls for proposals, and supports research across research organisations, industry, and public sector.

Target Market

Researchers, universities and research institutes, Norwegian companies, and public sector entities seeking funding for research and innovation.

Unique Value Proposition

Norway’s primary public funder and policy advisor for research, enabling large-scale investments in top Norwegian research through structured portfolios, with strong policy alignment and international program access.

Technical Requirements

Two-factor authentication is used for certain logins (two-step login on Mitt nettsted/Min side). Supported methods include Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator; QR code setup required. Contact for help: esoknad@forskningsradet.no or skattefunn@forskningsradet.no.

Pricing Model

Not applicable; funding is provided by government via calls and programs rather than a consumer pricing model.

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