Artificial intelligence, energy, and cybersecurity: Norway prepares new facilities for defense
The Norwegian Research Council (Forskningsrådet) has received 112 proposals for new research centers. These centers are to focus on defense capabilities, national security, and preparedness. Topics include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy, health, maritime, food, transport, and education.
Among the key development elements mentioned are, among others, drones.
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There is broad interest in the call for proposals. Forskningsrådet reports that the proposals come from 30 entities across Norway, with particularly high activity from environments associated with SINTEF and NTNU. This is the first stage of the process.
The proposals are short descriptions of potential centers. They include the subject area, expected outcomes, and partners who could participate in the collaboration. The main announcement will be postponed until after the New Year.
The proposals are short descriptions of potential centers. They include the subject area, expected outcomes, and partners who could participate in the collaboration. The main announcement will be postponed until after the New Year.
Significant security funding: a common goal for all of Norway
The government points to the need for closer cooperation between defense, science, and business. Funding will be provided by the Ministry of Defense (FD), the Ministry of Education and Research (KD), and the Ministry of Justice and Preparedness (JD). The total framework for the call is NOK 450 million. The centers are planned to start in 2027.
The centers are to operate for up to five years. Forskningsrådet reports that the program also includes a call for data-driven defense, with further competitions expected in 2027. Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik emphasizes the importance of cooperation between civilian and military sectors. According to him, this is to strengthen defense capabilities and societal preparedness.
The centers are to operate for up to five years. Forskningsrådet reports that the program also includes a call for data-driven defense, with further competitions expected in 2027. Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik emphasizes the importance of cooperation between civilian and military sectors. According to him, this is to strengthen defense capabilities and societal preparedness.
The government expects, among other things, greater cooperation between science and business for the country's defense.Photo: Norwegian Armed Forces press materials
This is how Norway plans research for defense
The applications cover the main areas of the national security strategy. These include defense capabilities, societal resilience, and economic security. The greatest emphasis is placed on defense. The proposals also concern technology, supply, strategy, and cooperation.
Forskningsrådet will make the proposals available to facilitate the creation of partnerships. Each applicant will receive feedback on how their project meets the objectives of the call. For the main competition, it will be necessary to refer to one or more proposals. Applications will be evaluated by subject matter experts.
Forskningsrådet will make the proposals available to facilitate the creation of partnerships. Each applicant will receive feedback on how their project meets the objectives of the call. For the main competition, it will be necessary to refer to one or more proposals. Applications will be evaluated by subject matter experts.
A meeting for potential applicants is planned for the autumn. The final announcement will be updated soon. The decision to establish the centers will be made by the portfolio board in the spring of 2027.
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