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FNS funding of R&D projects over the period 1987-2007

Until 1988 the Foundation mainly served as a catalyst for the technical co-operation between the two countries.

After the Troll agreement was signed in 1986, the two parties agreed to use the Foundation to actively promote and coordinate bilateral research and development projects. Each country agreed to support the FNS projects with up to 50 MNOK over a period of 10 years (1989-1999).

A substantial industry involvement of at least 50 percent financing was set as a requirement. This plan has been fulfilled and since 1988 up to 2006, 85 projects, for a global R&D budget of 348 MNOK (43 Meuros) have been supported throughout the years.

The cumulative funding reached 40% of this total budget, namely 149 MNOK, equally granted by the Norwegian and the French governments, the balance (60%) being covered by the industry partners. About 180 firms and Research Centres have thus got public funding through the Foundation. Of the total of 96projects more than half (60%) have been awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's), 19% to Research Centres and 21% to large scale companies. Furthermore, over the years, more than 50 Ph.D and post-doctoral students have been included in the project.