Research and Innovation background
Iceland’s R&I landscape is guided by several strategy documents that set national goals for innovation and sustainable development.
- Innovation Policy for Iceland: The main government policy statement on innovation, presenting a vision for the future of Icelandic innovation in all areas until 2030.
- Science and Technology Policy and Action Plan 2020-2022: Established research objectives and strategies to enhance specific capacity, aligned with the Iceland 2020 goals.
- Iceland’s Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: This 2019 Voluntary National Review details Iceland’s progress toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising initiatives that align with national priorities in sustainable transport and innovation.
- Iceland’s Climate Action Plan (2020-2030): This national framework focuses on achieving carbon neutrality and outlines key R&I priorities to advance sustainable practices across sectors, including transport. The plan promotes research in clean energy and carbon capture, encouraging innovative solutions to transition the transport sector towards sustainable fuels and electrification
Institutional framework of transport research
Iceland’s R&I framework is supported by a network of ministries, advisory bodies, and research organisations responsible for implementing and coordinating policy, including transport innovation.
- Ministerial Committee on Science and Innovation: This committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, is the supreme body for defining the direction of science and innovation policy in Iceland. The committee issues two-year action plans based on the long-term vision.
- Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation: Implements R&I policies, but many other ministries play a role because of their responsibilities for research organisations in their own areas.
- Science and Innovation Council: Works with the Ministerial Committee to develop and review R&I strategies.
- Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannis): Manages national research funds, promotes EU programme participation, and facilitates knowledge-sharing to support Icelandic innovation.
Developing and implementing transport policy is the responsibility of the Department of Transport within the Ministry of Infrastructure. It is supported by several institutions:
- Aircraft Accident Investigation Board
- Icelandic Coast Guard
- Icelandic Marine Accident Investigation Board
- Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration
- Road Accident Investigation Group
- Road Traffic Directorate
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Transport research can be funded through general research funding, private funding and by international and EU funds (EU Framework Programmes). Administration of the main national funds for research and innovation has been delegated to the Icelandic Centre for Research. These funds are:
- The Icelandic Research Fund: Supports scientific research and research-related postgraduate studies based on a professional evaluation.
- The Infrastructure Fund: Supports the development of research infrastructure with grants for the purchase of equipment, databases and other important facilities for research work.
- The Technology Development Fund: Provides grants for R&D work in technical development aimed at innovation in industry.
- The Strategic Research and Development Programme for science and technology: Supports special emphases in the government’s science and technology strategy.
International research and development cooperation programmes that are relevant to Iceland are:
- Horizon Europe: Provides access to European R&I projects, focusing on climate action and sustainable innovation.
- Nordforsk: Funds and facilitates Nordic research cooperation and research infrastructure
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)