Research-based Innovation for Quality, Efficiency and Renewal in the Norwegian Public Sector
Research-based Innovation for Quality, Efficiency and Renewal in the Norwegian Public Sector supports public agencies’ research-based innovation to improve services, administration and resource use.
Funder: Research Council of Norway
Due Dates: Open-ended (Applications) | October 1, 2026 (Earliest project start) | May 1, 2027 (Latest project start)
Funding Amounts: NOK 3–10 million per project, depending on theme, for 24–48 months; NOK 115 million presumed available
Summary: Supports research-based innovation addressing public-sector needs through better services, infrastructure, administration and resource use.
Key Information: A public agency must lead and collaborate with at least one approved Norwegian research organisation.
Description
The Research Council of Norway funds research-based innovation and restructuring responding to identified needs and challenges in the public sector. Projects should improve quality, renew services, infrastructure or administration, use scarce resources more efficiently, or increase the use of public-sector data. Results must be usable quickly and offer substantial potential for implementation or scaling.
The call covers circular economy, education, health, civil protection and emergency preparedness, and innovation across the public sector. It prioritises collaboration among several public actors and across disciplines. Projects must draw on the international knowledge base, include effective user participation where relevant, and present a concrete plan for implementing the innovative solution.
