# Research-based Innovation for Quality, Efficiency and Renewal in the Norwegian Public Sector

**Funder:** Research Council of Norway
**Consortium:** Required — utilisation partner from public sector for innovation uptake
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** NO
**Official call:** https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/call-for-proposals/2026/research-based-innovation-quality-efficiency-and-renewal-in-the-norwegian-public-sector/
**Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funding for research-based innovations helping the public sector innovate services, infrastructure and administration sustainably and efficiently.

## Summary

This Research Council of Norway call funds research-based innovation projects that help Norwegian public sector bodies improve services, infrastructure and administration more sustainably and efficiently. Applicants must build a consortium including a public sector utilisation partner to support uptake of the innovation. The call has no fixed deadline and accepts applications continuously through the Council's new application system.

## Who should apply

- Researchers and research institutions based in Norway
- Projects paired with a public sector utilisation partner for innovation uptake
- Focus on sustainable, efficient public service or administrative innovation
- Applicants able to work through the Research Council's new application system

## Key dates

- Continuous call, no fixed deadline, applications accepted on a rolling basis
- Applies through the Research Council of Norway's new application system

## Tips for applicants

- Secure your public sector utilisation partner early, since the consortium requirement is gating and shapes the project design from the start.
- Frame the proposal around measurable service, infrastructure or administrative efficiency gains, matching the call's explicit focus areas.
- Because the call is continuous, there's no competitive deadline pressure, use the time to align the innovation plan closely with the partner's operational needs.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply for the Research Council of Norway's public sector innovation funding?

Researchers and institutions in Norway proposing research-based innovation projects for the public sector, working with a public sector utilisation partner.

### Is there a deadline for this Research Council of Norway call?

No, applications are accepted on a continuous basis through the open-ended, new application system.

### Do I need a partner organisation to apply?

Yes, a consortium including a public sector utilisation partner is required to support innovation uptake.

### What kind of projects does this call fund?

It funds research-based innovations that help the public sector improve services, infrastructure and administration sustainably and efficiently.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/research-council-of-norway-research-based-innovation-for-quality-efficiency-a-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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