1. Local Government and Research KS – The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities Jon Anders Drøpping, Manager R & D

2. Members: - 19 counties - 428 municipalities - 500 public enterprises Key figures: 444 000 employees 11 500 elected councillors and 5 millions inhabitants, who get good services from the cradle to the grave This is KS Kartgrunnlag Copyright © Statens kartverk, Norsk Eiendomsinf. og Asplan Viak Internet AS

4. MAIN ACTIVITIES Central collective bargaining Consultations with National Government Legal, financial and administrative assistance and advice Training of councillors, executive officers and staff Information and communication services International cooperation and European affairs Research and development

5. KS – Research and Development R&D activities since 1986 Separate «subscription fee» - «separate currency» Support KS’ strategies, as defined by the National Congress Research and development projects initiated as one key activity, giving members access to knowledge, documentation and results. Projects developed by KS and commissioned to R&D institutions and comsultancies – based on competition Projetcs vary in size and duration 2014: 30 + planned projects – combined value appr. NOK 30 mill. (£ 3 mill/€ 4 mill.) All projects assessed on the basis of «usefulness»

7. What’s new? Research Strategy – June 2013 (allocation; relevance; merit/participatory research; co-creation (when relevant); inform practices; dissemination) «New deliveries» «New acquisition» Dissemination and Application New project? – research communications officer (tbc June 20th) Innovation and development – and interest policy Research Council of Norway – «minimum contribution – maximum impact» Regional Research Funds – seven regions EU projects/Horizon 2020??? Internal «evaluation» of projects

8. Some lessons (from Norway)… Autonomy in scope and financing Claim a position (you have a mandate)… ….use that position (participate) Co-operate when needed (both keep your hand on the wheel) Keep your ears to the ground – both internally and externally Focus on the end user (it’s your employer!)