This gives the institute a central role in providing knowledge for Norwegian foreign and development policy in the years ahead.

The agreements are part of the Ministry’s investment in research and analysis, covering areas such as geopolitics, international economics, and global commons including climate, energy and oceans. In total, 38 proposals were submitted across seven thematic lots, with three providers selected for each.

FNI was ranked number one in the lot on international economics, economic security, trade and responsible business conduct, in collaboration with Statistics Norway and Vista Analyse. The institute was also ranked number two in the lots on geopolitics and security policy, and on global commons.

'This is a strong recognition of both the breadth and quality of our research, and of our ability to connect fields like international economics, geopolitics and environmental policy,' says Iver B. Neumann, Director of FNI.

Strong academic assessment

In its evaluation, the Ministry highlights that the FNI consortium offers the strongest and most relevant research team in the competition on international economics and trade. The team combines broad thematic coverage with particular strength in macroeconomics, quantitative analysis and geopolitics.

The consortium received top scores: 10 out of 10 on both competence and research results, and 9 out of 10 on communication.

Research outputs were assessed as the most relevant among the applicants, with strong publication records in high-ranking journals and high citation rates.

'It’s especially rewarding to see such clear recognition of both our research and our communication. That’s exactly where we want to be,' says Irja Vormedal, Head of Research for global environmental governance at FNI.

Heads of Research Irja Vormedal and Andreas Østhagen are very pleased with the outcome of the MFA framework agreements. Photo: Bård Gudim, FNI

Competing with leading research environments

In the two other lots, FNI competed with some of Norway’s leading research institutions, including Norwegian Institute of International Affairs and CICERO Center for International Climate Research.

'It’s very satisfying to see a small institute like ours compete with – and outperform – much larger environments,' says Neumann.

In the lot on global commons, FNI was ranked second behind a large consortium led by CICERO. The Ministry highlights FNI’s strong expertise in climate, energy, climate diplomacy and geopolitics. In one of the contracts, FNI also received a top score for its policy brief, praised for its clarity, structure and concrete recommendations.

Senior researchers Arild Moe and Vegard Tørstad contributed extensively to the proposals and each authored a policy brief for the MFA call. Photo: Bård Gudim, FNI

In the lot on geopolitics and security policy, FNI was ranked second, with particular recognition of its expertise on the Arctic and the High North.

'We know the geopolitics of the Arctic. It’s an area where we have built solid, relevant expertise over time, and it’s good to see that recognised,' says Andreas Østhagen, Head of Research for oceans and the Arctic at FNI.

What do the framework agreements mean?

The agreements give the Ministry access to research and analysis from selected institutions over the coming years. Assignments are distributed in a ranked order, with providers approached one by one.

The scheme also allows research institutions to propose projects aligned with the Ministry’s needs.

For FNI, this means more opportunities to contribute knowledge where it is used, in close dialogue with policymakers.

'This gives us a strong platform to contribute with research where it matters,' says Østhagen.

A joint effort

The proposals have involved researchers from across the institute.

'Thanks to everyone who contributed. This is very much a team effort,' says Vormedal.

The contracts will be signed after the standstill period ends on 13 May.