Research in Norway

The Norwegian research landscape

In 2018, Norway’s total R&D expenditure amounted to nearly NOK 73 billion NOK. Of this, trade and industry accounted for 45%, the higher education sector for 35%, and the research institute sector for 20%. More than 86 000 people were employed in R&D-related activities in 2018, of which 68% were scientists. Of these scientists, nearly 40% were women. R&D expenditure for 2018 amounted to 2,06% of GDP. 46% of this expenditure came from public funding.

Escalation of the long-term plan

The Government has set a target for R&D expenditure of three per cent of GDP by 2030. Public allocations to R&D activity will be increased beyond GDP growth each quarter in the upcoming period until they equal one per cent of GDP. The Government is aiming to reach this target by 2019–2020.

How is the Norwegian research system organised?

Norway has three research-performing sectors in national R&D statistics::

What are the main elements of Norwegian research policy?

The Government’s Long-term plan for research and higher education sets out three primary objectives: to strengthen competitiveness and innovation capacity, to solve major challenges to society, and to develop high-quality research groups. For more information see: Long-term plan for research and higher education 2019–2028 — Meld. St. 4 (2018–2019) Report to the Storting (white paper) (Government.no).

How are R&D activities funded in Norway?

Norway has a single research council which covers the entire spectrum from basic research to innovation and administers a wide variety of funding schemes and research programmes. While international collaboration is an integral component of all the schemes and programmes, foreigners must be affiliated with a Norwegian research institution to have access to these activities. For more information see: The Research Council of Norway

Working as a researcher in Norway - a few testimonials

With orcas and whales as neighbours

Professor Bodil Bluhm has found the perfect location for Arctic research. A dynamic academic environment, beautiful natural surroundings and excellent social benefits brought the German researcher to Tromsø in the northern reaches.

Excellent assistance for all practical needs

Post-doctoral fellow David Palma from Portugal says that the way NTNU welcomes researchers from abroad is outstanding and that this made it much easier to adapt to Norwegian culture.

Enjoys the Norwegian balance between work and private life

Associate Professor Douglas Rossinow from the US first came to Norway in 2013 with his family on a six-month Fulbright grant. He and his family enjoyed their stay so much that they decided to come back when the University of Oslo offered him a position in 2016.

This is where I belong

Post-doctoral fellow Svetlana Sorokina from Russia has fallen in love with Bergen. She is currently in her ninth year in the city after arriving as a doctoral student.

Everything here is so well organised and the people so helpful

Associate Professor Mahdi Kioumarsi from Iran came to Norway to complete a doctorate. He thinks it was easy to get used to life in Norway and likes it so much that he intends to stay a few more years.