1. Svein Olav Nås Special advisor, Division for innovation
NORSI seminar June International cooperation on research and innovation policy, OECD, EU, etc
Svein Olav Nås
Special advisor, Division for innovation

2. Outline My background The need for a knowledge based R&I policy
Why international cooperation on R&I policy?
Types of organisations and interactions
Cooperating with the OECD
Questions

3. Background Presently in the Division for Innovation, RCN
Program coordinator for FORINNPOL – Research for Research- and Innovation Policy
Background from research on innovations at NIFU and STEP
Economics
Working with the OECD since early 1980’s
Chair of OECD NESTI – National Experts on Science and Technology Indicators

4. A knowledge based R&I policy
Any policymaking should be knowledge based – to the extent possible
RCN to give advice to government and stakeholders – and develop our own practice!
Many challenges in R&I
Who are the actors and stakeholders, how to involve the relevant stakeholders, what is policy, what are the instruments, time lags, conflicts of interest, attribution, models of understanding, what effects,…
Not only about knowledge or business, also grand challenges
RRI
Aggregation machine vs change agent

5. Why international cooperation on R&I policy?
Understanding R&I systems a common challenge across countries
Small national research area
Practical policy experiences in many countries to learn from
Common global trends
But:
National R&I systems are different
Challenges and opportunities are different
Have to build on existing capacities to develop new ones – for industry and knowledge management
Very useful to influence priorities to fit national interests

6. Types of organisations and interactions
Many international organisations and possible partners in other countries
Prioritisation
Different purposes (research, treaties, standards, regulations, supranational challenges,..)
Innovation is more than research!
Bilateral versus multilateral relations
Research organisations
Influencing the general research agenda
Researching R&I systems and policies
Other governments
Agencies and organisations (TAFTIE)
Real international organisations
OECD, EU, UN, ISO,…

7. How to…(make use of a dead cat)

8. How to…(make use of a dead cat)

9. How to…co-operate with the OECD
Not a dead cat!
An organisation for member states
In official meetings you speak on behalf of your country
Decision-making by unanimousity
Governed by a board of Ministers from member countries
Many committees and working parties
A big and complex administration located in Paris
Very competent staff!
Heavily oriented towards internationally comparable empirical data

11. How to…co-operate with the OECD
In our field the most relevant committees are:
CSTP – Committee for Science and Technology Policy
Norwegian representation from Ministry of education and research, supplemented by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Research Council
NESTI, TIP, GSF, BNCT
CIIE – Committee on Industry, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Norwegian representation from Ministry of Trade and Industry
WPIA
EDPC – Education committee

12. How to…co-operate with the OECD
Where are decisions actually taken?
Unanimousity by formulating compromises
Influential if contributing voluntary funding or in kind contr
Actively comment and suggest themes
Get national backing before going to meetings
Be active in meetings, coffeebreaks and over beers
Take any opportunity to chair etc
Advantages:
Generates goodwill and directs work to suit national needs
Great opportunity to create networks, initiate work of interest, draw on very high competences, overview hot topics
Adds an authoritative and “neutral” voice to national discussions and prioritisations

13. Questions…