On December 5, 2001, in Washington D.C., the Norwegian Prime Minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik, officially launched the Norwegian Forum for Research in the United States ("Forum"). The Forum was established as part of a broader Norwegian Government initiative, entitled "Strong Bonds Across the Atlantic." That initiative, announced in October 2001, was aimed at strengthening the relationship with the United States in the areas of science and technology. Canada has since been included.
Purpose and Objectives
The Forum is intended to promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas in the fields of science and technology and to foster cooperation in basic and applied research between industrial, scientific, and academic entities and institutions in the United States, Canada, and Norway.
Particular attention will be given to the promotion of dynamic institutional networks, mobility schemes, and collaborative joint ventures capturing the value from research and technology innovation. To this end, the Forum will include the active, cross-sectoral involvement of colleges, universities, science parks, industry and business, as well as other relevant governmental and non-governmental institutions.
The overall guiding principles and thematic foci for the Forum should be seen in the general context of Norway’s national research priorities, creatively related to important trends and priorities in the U.S. and Canada science and technology settings. As appropriate, the Forum will also look for possible transatlantic synergies, seen in the context of the Norwegian Research and IT Forum for Europe, anchored in the Norwegian Mission to the European Union in Brussels, as well as in the context of U.S. / Canada – EU science co-operation.
In an initial phase, the Forum will give particular attention to those areas of science and technology pertaining to biotechnology and related areas of medical and health sciences, information technology/computer science, telecommunication, energy and environment, the marine and maritime sector, defense and space related research, and areas within the social sciences. Other thematic approaches will be considered in the light of future developments in science and technology, as well as related possibilities for industrial and commercial partnerships and joint ventures.
Official strategic plan for Norwegian - North American Research & Technology Cooperation
This strategy is developed by the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research. It is based on recommendations from a steering committee, with representatives from 11 Ministries, The Norwegian Research Council, Norwegian Council for Higher Education, Innovation Norway and The Association of Research Institutions. The current strategy is in Norwegian but will soon be published in English.
Norway - North America Strategy
UNESCO/OECD Australia Forum on Trade in Education Services, speech by Norwegian Minister of Education and Research, Kristin Clemet