The Research Council of Norway (RCN) plays a vital role in developing and implementing the country's national research strategy. It acts as:

• a government adviser, identifying present and future needs for knowledge and research.
• a funding agency for independent research programmes and projects, strategic programmes at research institutes, and Norwegian participation in international research programmes.
• a co-ordinator, initiating networks and promoting co-operation between R&D institutions, ministries, business and industry, public agencies and enterprises, other sources of funding, and users of research.

Approximately one third of Norway's public sector research investment is channelled through the Research Council. The remainder is transferred directly from the ministries to the relevant research institutions. In 2003 RCN had a budget of NOK 4,4 billion (approximately 500 million euros). The Research Council operates a Biodiversity Research Programme with a yearly budget of approximately 2 million EUROS, funded by five different Ministries.