Research-based Innovation for Quality, Efficiency and Renewal in the Norwegian Public Sector
Funds collaborative research-based innovation projects to improve quality, efficiency, and renewal in Norway’s public sector, focusing on circular economy, education, health, civil protection, and cross-sector innovation.
Funder: Research Council of Norway
Due Dates: Open-ended (applications accepted until funds are exhausted)
Funding Amounts: NOK 3–10 million per project (Circular Economy); NOK 3–7 million per project (Education, Health, Civil Protection & Emergency Preparedness, Innovation Across Public Sector); project duration 24–48 months; total call budget NOK 115 million.
Summary: Funds collaborative, research-based innovation projects to improve quality, efficiency, and renewal in Norway’s public sector across key thematic areas.
Key Information: Applications are processed on a rolling basis and the call will close when funds are fully allocated.
Description
This program supports research-based innovation and restructuring within the Norwegian public sector. The aim is to address sector-specific needs and challenges by fostering renewal, enhancing quality, and increasing efficiency in public services, infrastructure, and administration. Projects should enable better use of resources, leverage public sector data, and implement solutions with strong potential for rapid uptake and scaling. Thematic priorities include circular economy, education, health, civil protection and emergency preparedness, and cross-sector innovation. Projects must be collaborative, involve users throughout, draw on international knowledge, and have a concrete implementation plan. The overarching goal is to help the public sector adapt to societal challenges and remain a trusted, sustainable pillar of Norwegian society.
