How does research co-operation lead to Nordic added value?

The entire framework for Nordic cooperation is rooted in the idea that together we are stronger, that we can achieve more by working together, and that what we achieve will be better for the inhabitants of the Nordic countries and the rest of the world.

NordForsk’s main objective is to facilitate Nordic research co-operation based on scientific quality, efficiency and trust. In addition, this co-operation is expected to generate Nordic added value.

NordForsk’s calls for proposals stipulate Nordic added value as one of the assessment criterion. Applicants are asked to describe the Nordic added value their research will produce and why this is important. Projects funded under NordForsk are required to provide information about the added value produced in reports and other forms of communication. NordForsk attaches great importance to documentation of achieved Nordic added value in connection with the project’s progress and final reports.

What is Nordic added value and how is it created?

NordForsk seeks to promote Nordic added value in all the activities it supports. Importance is attached to ensuring adequate focus on this dimension when developing new programmes and calls, when assessing grant applications and when reviewing project reports.

NordForsk has devised its own definition of Nordic added value to be used when developing programmes, designing calls for proposals and assessing grant applications.

Nordic added value can be defined or described in various ways, depending on the sector in question and the focus of co-operation.

Two main categories

NordForsk defines two main categories of Nordic added value:

  • Added value generated because the research collaboration is taking place in the Nordic region, and
  • Added value generated because the research can only be carried out in the Nordic region

Added value generated because the research collaboration is taking place in the Nordic region
This category of added value is produced when research activities:

  • help to build critical mass and/or expertise at the Nordic level in important disciplines or research areas;
  • enhance cost-effectiveness by sharing infrastructure or data or harmonising systems for utilising data and other resources in the Nordic region;
  • lead to regional mobility and networking among the Nordic countries;
  • enhance scientific quality and expand the number of high-quality scientific publications through Nordic co-operation;
  • increase the chances of success for Nordic researchers in EU research activities or other international research co-operation;
  • lead to more results and stronger, quality-assured conclusions as a basis for shaping the statutory framework or rationalising and improving the public administration;
  • promote the creation of innovations, patents or other solutions that help to enhance industrial development and co-operation in the Nordic region.


Added value generated because the research can only be carried out in the Nordic region
This added value is produced when research activities:

  • build on particular strengths of Nordic researchers, and when the research is carried out by groups with unique expertise;
  • address needs that are unique to the Nordic countries in light of our similar social structures, institutions and institutional culture, and shared cultural heritage;
  • focus on e.g. geographical, climatic, cultural, linguistic or social phenomena in the Nordic region;
  • utilise data from uniquely Nordic registries.