Nordic Research: Northern Engines of Innovation
Published: August 2025
The Nordic countries—Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark—have built some of the world’s most competitive research and innovation systems. Despite their small populations and dispersed geography, they consistently rank among the most research-intensive, innovation-driven, and socially cohesive economies.This new report, Northern Engines of Innovation: Research Systems in Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark, provides a comparative analysis of how the region achieves global leadership in science and innovation, while maintaining equity and cohesion at home.
Key Insights
- Strategic investment in research: Sweden, Finland, and Denmark invest around 3% of GDP in R&D, well above OECD and EU averages, while Norway prioritises targeted public funding and sectoral initiatives.
- High-performing institutions: Nordic universities and research institutes combine academic excellence, autonomy, and civic responsibility, with strong links to both industry and international partners.
- Regional innovation: Research is embedded in local economies, with universities and clusters driving innovation not only in major cities but also in smaller regions—strengthening resilience and trust.
- Global standing: Compared to larger economies, the Nordics excel in scientific output per capita, citation impact, international collaboration, and integrated innovation systems.
- Future challenges and opportunities: The region faces demographic pressures, funding questions, and rapid technological change, but is well-positioned to lead in green technologies, AI, precision health, and Arctic research.
Why It Matters
The Nordic model demonstrates how small nations can achieve global research leadership without sacrificing inclusiveness. Stable public investment, strong institutional autonomy, and regional engagement make these systems agile, trusted, and globally respected.
📄 Read the full report here:
