Inquiry proposes new coordinated research funding agency

The Inquiry makes the assessment that the agency structure launched in 2001 has not been fully able to realise the intentions and ambitions that formed the basis for the reform. This does not mean that the inquiry is denying the many merits and successful work of the new agencies. The organisation for preparing proposals has become more efficient, innovation support has been given a more professional setting and concerted action has been taken in certain strategic areas. All in all, however, the new agency organisation has not fully achieved the desired effects, either in its individual parts or concerning the full range of measures taken.

This final observation leads on to the Inquiry´s main proposals. The present system can be made more efficient and better suited to its purpose by making a new body responsible for certain tasks and by every agency reinforcing its strategic planning and being more active in the selection of funding instruments. At the same time, there is still a need for better coordination.

Bringing together all the funding instruments in each council, instead of distinguishing, as is the case today, between support for research and funding to promote innovation, increases the potential of attaining both high scientific quality and the application of research. At the same time, the prevailing polarisation of tasks in the current agency structure can be avoided. The proposed councils accommodate support for path-breaking basic research, action to strengthen research environments, cross-disciplinary programmes, industry development, and support for technical development and research applications.