Remarks by State Secretary Helle Hammer Ministry of Trade and Industry, Norway

1. Norwegian Innovation, Research and Education policies and the Norwegian Research and Technology Forum in the US and Canada Remarks by State Secretary Helle Hammer Ministry of Trade and Industry, Norway

2. Research Excellence and Co-operation ·      - A recent international evaluation of Norwegian ICT research concludes that Norway has research groups of high international standards in several key areas. • - Norwegian mathematical research has recently received honourable grades by an international evaluation committee. • - 10 out of the 13 newly established Norwegian Centres of Excellence are within the fields that the Forum has singled out as focal areas for Norwegian – American collaboration.

3. Norway – Exports by Country, incl. oil - 2001

4. Industrial Policy Challenges • Economic globalization • EU-enlargement and transition to a knowledge-based economy • Need to develop a more dynamic and innovative economy, including growth in non-petroleum based industry • Modernising the large public sector • Further reduction of state ownership in the Norwegian economy

5. Government net cash-flow from petroleum activities and old age and disability pensionsPer cent of GDP

6. A Comprehensive Industrial Policy - overview • A Sound Business Environment • Reduction of taxes and charges • Good communication systems and infrastructure • International co-operation and benchmarking • Simplifying rules and regulations • A Policy for Growth and Innovation - Need for a comprehensive approach to innovation • A Reduced State Ownership • Reorganise and streamline State ownership • Clarify strategy and action

7. A good foundation, but little growth.….. Share of population between 25 and 64 years with higher education (1998 and 1999) Number of employed as percentage of workforce population

8. High Penetration of New Technology Source: Taylor Nelson Sofres Interactive 2001, 2002

9. High-technology exports % of merchandise exports Source: Human Development Report 2002

10. We need to increase innovation …... Regional, national and international dimensions • A sound business environment for innovation: • New knowledge and technology fuels innovation • International market activities fuels innovation • Education and research policies are important to trade and industry policy • Selective instruments of policy that support innovation Source: Nås (2000)

11. Norway has fewer doctorates than the other Nordic countries measured as percentage of total population The number of doctorates in Finland and Denmark is increasing faster than in Norway and Sweden Almost half of all doctorates in Norway was confered during the 90’s The share of natural scientific doctorates is higher in Norway than in the other Nordic countries … and secure enough production of knowledge Confered doctorates in the Nordic countries 1990-1999 Norway Kilde: NIFU

12. … and businesses need to increase R&D spending • Goal: To reach the OECD average by 2005 • Increase industry-financed R&D • Increase R&D co-operation between industry and academia • International and bilateral co-operation • Tax credits for R&D expenditures Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators 2001

13. Four main national targets: Marine Research, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Medicine and Health and research in the interface between Energy and the Environment Private Public Norwegian Research Priorities Basic research Applied research Commercialization

14. Review of policy instruments • Evaluate and reorganise policy instruments for research & innovation, business development and internationalisation • More pointed instruments on the basis of: • Focus areas • Target groups