Norges forskningsråd Allocates 768 Million NOK to Eight New Research Innovation Centers

On December 15, 2025, Norges forskningsråd announced the allocation of 768 million NOK to eight new Sentre for forskningsdrevet innovasjon (SFI). The initiative aims to enhance collaboration between research and industry, addressing challenges such as sustainable seaweed production, nuclear power for shipping, and digital health.

However, concerns arise regarding the lack of mechanisms for commercialization, which is essential for transforming innovations into practical applications and creating jobs. While the SFI centers involve 98 companies and focus on long-term research, they are criticized for insufficient integration of components like IP protection and market analysis.

Notably absent are leading business schools, which could facilitate effective commercialization. The dominance of technical institutions such as NTNU and SINTEF raises concerns about an imbalance favoring technology-driven research at the expense of economic aspects. The Global Innovation Index 2025 indicates a need for Norway to strengthen its innovation output.