CORDIS Archive
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EU funding The co-operation between the EU and Norway is based on the European Economic Area Agreement, and comprises the Fourth (and Fifth) Framework Programme for RTD, with the exception of the specific research programmes covered by the EURATOM. This means that Norway participates on equal terms with the Member States, accordingly contribution financially to the budget of the framework programmes. Norwegian undertakings, universities and research institutions therefore have the same rights and obligations as their counterparts from the Member States. They are equal partners in project consortia, they can function as co-ordinators, and they are also entitled to have their share of the contract-based funding covered by the Commission. At this time, the Oslo region participates in different programmes like INTERREG IIa, INTERREG IIc, Leonardo, Socrates and RITTS. The Norwegian EU R&D Information Centre (Associate Innovation Relay Centre) is responsible for national EU RTD information and has as its main task to stimulate increased Norwegian participation in the framework programmes of the EU from research institutions, universities, SME and from industry. The Euro Info Centre supports SMEs with information about the EU/EEA
In December 1998 the Oslo region started up a (RITTS project (Regional Innovation and Technology Transfer Strategies and Infrastructures). RITTS Oslo will be focused on the need to stimulate innovation capabilities and knowledge-based development in key sectors in the region. The project is financed by the EU Commission and public authorities in the region. Despite the fact that the Oslo region has several structural advantages, it is a problem that the economy is heavily skewed towards public sector employment and administrative functions within companies. There is a growing recognition of the need for a regional innovation strategy to stimulate new firm formation and development in the knowledge-based industries. The RITTS Oslo project will last for two years, and be undertaken through three integrated phases: (1) consensus building; (2) demand and supply analyses; and (3) implementation through work groups. The long term goals of the RITTS Oslo process will be linked to the strategic business development plans of the counties of Oslo and Akershus, and the RITTS Oslo organisation has been integrated in a newly established public company owned by the two counties (Oslo Business Region). As a result of this, the RITTS Oslo project has been placed under the leadership of top politicians, bureaucrats, business representatives and the main R&D/HE institutions in the region. The Oslo region is a member of two subgroups in RITTS: the Interregional Co-operation Subgroup and the Urban Regions Subgroup. For more information about the RITTS Oslo project, please contact: Project Manager, Mr. Knut Halvorsen or Project Consultant, Ms. Malin Gjellestad | ||
Last updated: 18-08-1999 |