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 and research partners to develop innovations that improve services and resource use.
Funder: Research Council of Norway
Due Dates: Rolling (applications) | October 1, 2026 (earliest project start) | May 1, 2027 (latest project start)
Funding Amounts: NOK 3–10 million per project; 24–48 months; NOK 115 million available across the call
Summary: Funds research-based innovations that improve quality, efficiency and renewal in the Norwegian public sector.
Key Information: A public agency must own the project and collaborate with at least one approved Norwegian research organisation.
Description
The Research Council of Norway funds projects grounded in identified public-sector needs and challenges. The call seeks innovations that renew services, infrastructure and administration; use scarce resources and public-sector data more effectively; and produce results that can be put into practice quickly or scaled across the sector.
Projects must address circular economy, education, health, civil protection and emergency preparedness, or innovation across the public sector. The call supports work ranging from reuse and resource sharing to practice-based health and welfare innovation, stronger local preparedness, and measures that save staff time. Collaboration among public actors and across disciplines is a priority.
