Research remains one of the most important tools we have for understanding and addressing the challenges facing our societies. Whether the issue is health, climate, security, technological change or economic development, research provides knowledge that helps us make better decisions and develop better solutions.
At the same time, expectations of research are broad. Strong societies depend both on scientific excellence and on the ability to apply knowledge where it can make a difference. This is one of the reasons why Nordic research co-operation continues to be important. Many of the questions we face are shared across the Nordic countries, and there is considerable value in addressing them together. By combining expertise, resources and perspectives across national borders, Nordic co-operation can create results that would be difficult to achieve individually.
We see strong interest in this approach. Competition for NordForsk funding remains high, and we experience growing interest from organisations and international partners. This reflects both the quality of Nordic research and the continued relevance of the Nordic model for collaboration.
Research funding is an investment, and it is reasonable to ask what value that investment creates. For NordForsk, impact is therefore a central part of our work. Understanding how research contributes to new knowledge, stronger research environments, policy development and societal benefits helps us learn, improve and make better funding decisions. It also strengthens transparency and accountability.
The purpose of this report is to highlight some of these contributions. It illustrate the many ways in which Nordic research co-operation creates value, often over long periods of time and sometimes extending beyond the original objectives of individual projects.
Finally, I would like to thank all researchers who have contributed their experiences and reflections to this report. Their work and data contributions form the foundation of the results presented in these pages.
Johnny Mogensen, direktor of NordForsk