Strengthening Nordic Research and Innovation Cooperation

Recent geopolitical shifts and Europe's ambition to achieve greater technological sovereignty and competitiveness have brought the Nordic countries closer together. But how can we make even better use of our shared strengths in research and innovation? These questions form the basis of a new project initiated by the Danish Council for Research and Innovation Policy (DFIR).

Research and innovation are essential to building resilient and competitive economies. The Nordic region already holds a strong position, with world-class universities, innovative companies, and a long tradition of cross-border collaboration. While Nordic cooperation has significant potential, there is scope to strengthen strategic coordination and make better use of shared resources. The Nordic countries can still be better at identifying where joint research and innovation efforts can create the greatest value and  strengthen the interaction between national, Nordic, and European actors.

The project focuses primarily on the pan-Nordic institutions for research and innovation funding operating under the Nordic Council of Ministers: NordForsk, Nordic Innovation, and Nordic Energy Research. For simplicity, these organisations are collectively referred to as the Nordic research and innovation institutions throughout the project.

Pathways to Stronger Nordic Cooperation in Research and Innovation

DFIR seeks to strengthen the foundations for a more effective Nordic research and innovation collaboration. Through this project, the Council will examine and discuss three central analytical questions:

  • Within the division of responsibilities between national, Nordic, and European actors, how can the pan-Nordic funding institutions create added value?
  • How can the Nordic research and innovation institutions strengthen Nordic research and innovation cooperation through European and global partnerships?
  • How can the Nordic research and innovation institutions develop partnerships with private actors, including philanthropic foundations, in ways that support shared strategic objectives?

Together, these questions will also help clarify broader strategic issues, including how to better integrate Nordic research, technology development, and innovation; how to ensure a more strategic direction for Nordic research and innovation funding; and what role the Nordic research and innovation institutions should play in informing future policy development.

The process

The project is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers through the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science and runs from February to November 2026. It is led by DFIR in collaboration with the Danish Centre for Studies in Research and Research Policy at Aarhus University, which is responsible for carrying out the analysis. Stakeholders from across the Nordic region will be involved throughout the project through interviews, status meetings, and a survey. Based on the findings, DFIR will present recommendations on how to strengthen Nordic research and innovation cooperation.

Conference, 25 November 2026

DFIR's recommendations and the report prepared by the Danish Centre for Studies in Research and Research Policy will be launched and discussed at a high-level conference in Copenhagen on 25 November 2026. The conference will bring together Nordic decision-makers and will be open to Nordic and European stakeholders.

The venue and registration details will be announced in August 2026.

Opinion Piece

As a prelude to the project, DFIR has published an opinion piece:

Read the opinion piece published in Forskningspolitikk

Timeline

The project commenced in February 2024 and will conclude with the publication of DFIR's final recommendations in November 2026.

Working group

  • Søren Nedergaard (Project Lead)
  • Marie Louise Conradsen
  • Søren Hvidkjær
  • Christine Nellemann

Contact the secretariat for further information.