Norwegian Innovation, Research and Education policies and the Norwegian Research and Technology Forum in the US and Canada Remarks by State Secretary Helle Hammer Ministry of Trade and Industry, Norway

Research Excellence and Co-operation  - A recent international evaluation of Norwegian ICT research concludes that Norway has research groups of high international standards in several key areas. - Norwegian mathematical research has recently received honourable grades by an international evaluation committee out of the 13 newly established Norwegian Centres of Excellence are within the fields that the Forum has singled out as focal areas for Norwegian – American collaboration.

Norway – Exports by Country, incl. oil

Industrial Policy Challenges Economic globalization EU-enlargement and transition to a knowledge-based economy Need to develop a more dynamic and innovative economy, including growth in non-petroleum based industry Modernising the large public sector Further reduction of state ownership in the Norwegian economy

Government net cash-flow from petroleum activities and old age and disability pensions Per cent of GDP

A Comprehensive Industrial Policy - overview A Sound Business Environment –Reduction of taxes and charges –Good communication systems and infrastructure –International co-operation and benchmarking –Simplifying rules and regulations A Policy for Growth and Innovation - Need for a comprehensive approach to innovation A Reduced State Ownership –Reorganise and streamline State ownership –Clarify strategy and action

A good foundation, but little growth.….. Number of employed as percentage of workforce population Share of population between 25 and 64 years with higher education (1998 and 1999)

High Penetration of New Technology Source: Taylor Nelson Sofres Interactive 2001, 2002

High-technology exports Source: Human Development Report 2002 % of merchandise exports

We need to increase innovation …... 1.A sound business environment for innovation: New knowledge and technology fuels innovation International market activities fuels innovation 2.Education and research policies are important to trade and industry policy 3.Selective instruments of policy that support innovation Source: Nås (2000) Regional, national and international dimensions

… and secure enough production of knowledge Norway has fewer doctorates than the other Nordic countries measured as percentage of total population The number of doctorates in Finland and Denmark is increasing faster than in Norway and Sweden Almost half of all doctorates in Norway was confered during the 90’s The share of natural scientific doctorates is higher in Norway than in the other Nordic countries Kilde : NIFU Confered doctorates in the Nordic countries Norway

… and businesses need to increase R&D spending Goal: To reach the OECD average by 2005 Increase industry-financed R&D Increase R&D co-operation between industry and academia International and bilateral co- operation Tax credits for R&D expenditures Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators 2001

Norwegian Research Priorities Four main national targets: Marine Research, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Medicine and Health and research in the interface between Energy and the Environment Commercialization Applied research Basic research Public Private

Review of policy instruments –Evaluate and reorganise policy instruments for research & innovation, business development and internationalisation –More pointed instruments on the basis of: 1.Focus areas 2.Target groups