Could you explain the role of the Research Council of Norway and its significance in the country’s innovation ecosystem?

The Research Council of Norway plays a crucial role in supporting researchers and businesses in the country across the entire spectrum of research and development, from basic science to commercialization. While we fall under the Ministry of Research and Education, we receive funding from various government ministries, making our role more extensive compared to research councils in other countries. We provide advice to the Norwegian government through strategy documents and budget proposals, and we actively bring stakeholders together through networking and conferences.

Our budget is substantial, with direct investments exceeding NOK 10 billion and management of the R&D tax incentive scheme, worth around NOK 5.5 billion, on behalf of the government. Our funding decisions are based on both bottom-up initiatives, focusing on quality and innovation potential, and top-down schemes. Key areas of focus include climate change, aquaculture, petroleum, health, ICT and digitalization, and nanotechnology.

Why is the health sector important in Norway, and how does the Research Council support it?

The health sector receives significant attention and investment in public R&D in Norway, despite the country not having a strong industrial tradition in this field. Norway has active research groups, hospitals, and a growing number of start-ups and established businesses focused on health. To support the sector, we utilize data and analytical tools to understand the landscape and engage with various stakeholders, including research groups, venture capitalists, pharmaceutical industry, ministries, and the hospital sector. By analyzing existing interactions, potential, and targeted initiatives, we aim to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and foster collaboration.

Recent initiatives have focused on areas such as e-health, personalized medicine, production, and, notably, the response to COVID-19.

Although Norway is not widely recognized as a life sciences innovation hub, how does the country leverage its strengths in areas like marine biology?

Norway’s expertise in marine biology, particularly within the fish industry, has relevance for medical research and innovation. The fish industry requires understanding of biology, biotechnology, breeding, feeding, and disease control. Our knowledge in these areas, including vaccines, disease control, and big data analysis, can be applied beyond the fish industry.

Rather than viewing our traditional focus on sectors like marine biology as a limitation, we see it as a starting point that provides an advanced foundation for newer sectors like healthcare. Norway also boasts a strong public health system and a tradition of digitalization. We have notable achievements in clinical and translational research, especially in immunology, oncology, and e-health.

The challenge lies in connecting the dots and developing related industrial and implementation policies.

How does the Norwegian life sciences sector benefit from the country’s expertise in the oil and gas industry, and how do oil and gas prices impact the Research Council’s investments in R&D?

Oil prices do influence the flow of resources, technology, knowledge, and people in Norway. Higher oil prices tend to keep resources within the oil and gas industry, while lower prices encourage investments in other sectors. However, there is a transition underway in Norway’s business sector to cleaner energy practices and diversification beyond oil and gas.

The Research Council’s investments largely align with this transition. The technology and knowledge from the oil and gas industry, such as sophisticated ICT and digitalization, can be applied to other sectors, including healthcare. Norway’s manufacturing facilities, skilled workforce, political stability, and absence of natural disasters also contribute to its potential in manufacturing.

How has the Research Council of Norway responded to the COVID-19 crisis?

Since mid-March 2020, we have provided significant funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for real-time research on COVID-19 and its implications. This funding aimed to collect valuable data during the initial high-incidence period and support SMEs in their research on therapeutics and vaccines.

While we haven’t made specific efforts in COVID-19 vaccine development, we have facilitated private-public collaborations between SMEs and the healthcare sector. We have also engaged other actors, including the Norwegian Cancer Society and philanthropic organizations, in ICT and health system projects related to the pandemic. Furthermore, we have granted funds to stimulate the domestic business sector in this challenging period.

The crisis has led to increased interest and coordination within the life sciences sector, particularly in healthcare startups.

Can Norway play a role in manufacturing therapeutics or vaccines for COVID-19, and how does the Research Council contribute to this effort?

Norway, in collaboration with the pharma industry and trade associations, is exploring its potential role in the global manufacturing of therapeutics and vaccines for COVID-19. Leveraging Norway’s expertise in efficient automated process-driven industries, we are confident in our ability to contribute, not necessarily in vaccine production itself, but in producing related products, ingredients, and supplies. Vaccine production represents a significant market opportunity that we should not overlook.

Norway’s existing production facilities, skilled workforce, low labor costs, and focus on automation make it conducive to cost-effective production of high-quality components. Additionally, Norway’s political stability and absence of natural disasters provide a favorable environment. Manufacturing holds great potential for the country.

How does Norway collaborate with its Nordic neighbors, who have a more established industrial footprint in the life sciences?

Over the years, there has been substantial collaboration between Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, particularly regarding data registers. We aim to continue and strengthen these collaborations. Together with research and innovation agencies in the other Nordic countries, we have initiated efforts to bring the business sectors together in personalized medicine. While Denmark and Sweden have stronger industrial traditions, they are interested in accessing Norway’s research community, start-ups, and knowledge from other sectors. Although the lack of industrial strength may be a disadvantage overall, it offers opportunities for innovative approaches.

After your tenure of over 14 years at the Research Council, what do you consider your greatest achievement?

When I joined the Research Council, I implemented a portfolio management-oriented strategy, which has now become an integral part of our operations. I connected previously isolated instruments and schemes, creating a more cohesive approach. Additionally, I focused on bringing together diverse actors within the innovation ecosystem, drawing from my experiences as a researcher and entrepreneur.

Being able to connect seemingly disparate actors and understand their connections has been a significant achievement. By fostering collaboration and leveraging Norway’s knowledge, we aim to tap into the immense business potential in the life sciences sector and drive the diversification of the Norwegian business sector.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the life sciences industry in Norway beyond 2020?

Evaluations suggest significant business potential in Norway’s life sciences sector. As neighboring countries prioritize the life sciences, Norway recognizes the need to replace income from oil and gas, making the sector increasingly important in the coming years.

In our ongoing transition, we aim to facilitate and support the diversification of the Norwegian business sector by leveraging the knowledge available through universities, research institutes, and businesses. The solid foundation of public R&D in Norway needs to be involved in addressing major societal challenges. While lessons can be learned from sectors like fish farming and oil and gas, it’s crucial to tailor strategies for the life sciences and other developing areas to ensure their success.