In November, the Research Council of Norway granted NOK 1.5 million to the "National EU Network for Climate, Energy, and Artificial Intelligence" for the period 2025–2027.
The network aims to include more stakeholders from Norwegian businesses and the public sector in EU applications and projects during the final three years of the EU’s Horizon Europe program. The initiative kicks off in the New Year.
“We are pleased that the Research Council of Norway recognizes the significant opportunities that a national EU network for climate, energy, and artificial intelligence can provide for Norwegian stakeholders. Through these EU projects, Norwegian actors can participate in research-based innovation that supports the green transition and the digitalization of society and businesses,” says Thomas Mikkelsen, Head of International Operations at Smart Innovation Norway.
The research and innovation company has a long-standing track record, participating in over 30 EU projects. Between 2021 and 2024, they successfully involved more than 20 Norwegian companies, research partners, and municipalities in over 50 EU applications.
Connecting Norwegian Businesses to EU Opportunities
Led by Mikkelsen, Smart Innovation Norway will manage the EU network in collaboration with a steering committee comprising representatives from The Norwegian Smartgrid Centre, NILU – Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Ålesund Kunnskapspark (ÅKP), the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Toppindustrisenteret Digital Norway, the Norwegian Association of Innovation Companies (FIN), Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), Kristiania University College, Å Energi, Vaager Innovation, Validé, and UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
“By collaborating with a highly skilled national steering group, we aim to reach Norwegian stakeholders who need assistance with EU applications and finding partners in Europe, leveraging Smart Innovation Norway's extensive network of over 500 research partners in climate, energy, and artificial intelligence,” Mikkelsen explains. He adds:
“I look forward to working closely with our partners to realize the vision of more sustainable innovation that, starting from Norway, can strengthen and green the entire Nordic region. An initial establishment meeting is scheduled for January 2025.”
Leading Player in Green Technology
In total, the Research Council has allocated NOK 16.5 million to 11 EU networks.
“This funding recognizes Norway’s potential to lead the development of sustainable technologies. By connecting our leading experts in climate, energy, and artificial intelligence, we are creating a platform for groundbreaking innovation. This not only strengthens our competitiveness in EU projects but also helps shape future green solutions,” emphasizes the leader of the EU network.
He sees significant potential in learning from the network to establish similar initiatives in countries like Finland and Denmark, where Smart Innovation Norway also operates. This, in turn, could strengthen the overall Nordic position and intensify cross-regional cooperation.
- Questions? Contact Project Manager Thomas Mikkkelsen
“I view the establishment of this network as an important step toward positioning Norway as a leading player in green technology and innovation in Europe. By eventually expanding the concept to other Nordic countries, the project will contribute to creating a stronger, more integrated Nordic front in addressing future challenges and opportunities,” concludes Mikkelsen.