Poland and Norway to establish joint research fund
Poland and Norway have signed an agreement of intent to set up a joint research fund, to be financed as part of Norway's 1.25 billion euro contribution to EU cohesion in the period 2004 to 2009. Norway's financial commitment to EU economic and social integration is stipulated under the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, to which it is a signatory. Norway is keen to leverage its contribution to promote bilateral cooperation with the recipient countries, and this is the first time that EEA funds will be used for research collaboration. 'We are happy and proud to have this cooperation agreement,' said Kari Kveseth, international director of the Research Council of Norway. 'Poland is a nation with a very strong tradition of research, especially in the natural sciences. The level of science is high, but the country lags behind on the equipment side. With the intense significance the EU now lays on research, it is very important that the country gets a lift. The Norwegian research environment can help with this.' Ms Kveseth argues that there is a great deal of synergy between the capabilities and needs of the two countries. For example, like many other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Poland faces a number of important environmental challenges, and Norway's research excellence in this area could make an important contribution. In addition, says Ms Kveseth, 'Norway has a strong tradition, developed over a long time, when it comes to research-based environmental management. Our tight bond between research and management can perhaps give Poland impetus in this area.' From the Norwegian perspective, Poland is considered an important strategic partner with which to work. 'The nation has received increasing importance due to its entry into the EU. Poland [...] is the greatest recipient of funds from the EEA financing scheme, of which research is a central area. Therefore, from the Norwegian point of view, it is very interesting to build a long-term research relationship with Poland,' explains Ms Kveseth. She concludes: 'Norway and Poland have already worked together greatly through participation in the EU framework programme for research. Today, our cooperation with Poland is a great as our work with Denmark and greater than that with Finland. Moreover, the number of articles co-written by Norwegian and Polish researchers has risen dramatically.'
Countries
Norway, Poland