The Research Councils in the Nordic Countries – Developments and some Challenges

Abstract

This overview of the research council organization in the Nordic countries was commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The study was finished in early September 2001. Accordingly, the announced proposals for changes and reorganizations in the funding organization in Denmark and Iceland are not dealt with at any great length. The focus in the report is primarly on the research council system as such. Some other major funding agencies and foundations (semi-governmental) have to some extent been included in order to give a better picture of the public funding organizations. The report also gives some historical background from the postwar period in order to explain the present funding system. In conclusion, the report also discusses some problems and challenges ahead.