Norway presented its input paper on ‘Thematic priorities in the next framework programme for research and innovation’ on 7 March 2025.
Norway had already presented its first input paper on the next Framework Programme (FP10) for Research and Innovation (R&I) in June 2024. Since then, the political guidelines for the new Commission have been presented, and several high-level reports have fed into the discussions about the upcoming programme. The Norwegian input paper on the thematic priorities is based on a clear recognition of the main arguments provided in both the Draghi and the Heitor reports, and it is based on consultations with Norwegian ministries, agencies, research performing institutions and private and public actors engaged in R&I activities.
Norway suggests six thematic priorities for FP10, contributing to competitiveness, resilience and sustainability. All priorities underline the need to facilitate collaborative R&I between research entities, industry and/or the public sector, for interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral and international collaboration. Norway stresses that social sciences and humanities are crucial to better address complex challenges. Digitalisation, including responsible and ethical use of new/disruptive technologies, should be a cross-cutting priority. The six priorities are all tightly interconnected:
- Climate and nature resilient development, sustainable energy systems and the green transition
- Transformative and industrial technologies
- Societal security and civil preparedness
- Oceans, coastal areas, and blue growth
- Health
- Societal resilience and cohesion
In addition to these thematic priorities, Norway calls for fewer and more targeted Partnerships with simpler procedures and a better balance with collaborative research. Norway also proposes to launch a new Mission on ‘Social exclusion among children and young people’.