Description

OECD Reviews of Innovation Policy

Norway

What are a country's achievements in innovation, and how does this relate to economic performance ? What are the major features, strengths and weaknesses, of its innovation system ? How can government foster innovation ?

The OECD Reviews of Innovation Policy offer a comprehensive assessment of the innovation system of individual OECD member and non-member countries, focusing on the role of government. They provide concrete recommendations on how to improve policies which impact on innovation performance, including R&D policies. Each review identifies good practises from which other countries can learn.

Norway's economic performance has been consistently very good for a long time, and average real incomes in Norway are now among the highest in the world.

The growing size and profitability of the offshore hydrocarbons sector has been a major factor, but even if that sector is excluded from the calculations, per capita GDP in mainland Norway is higher than in the major EU countries. The key strategic task ahead for the Norwegian government is to maintain high, sustainable growth even after the depletion of oil and gas reserves. Any foreseeable restructuring of the Norwegian economy compatible with this goal will entail a shift towards knowledge-based activities for which innovation is the key determinant of competitiveness.

This report assesses the current status of Norway's innovation system and policies, and identifies where and how the government should focus its efforts to improve the country's innovation capabilities.