This is not an increase in the specificity of funding. The difference is that we\u2019re now thinking long-term.<\/p>\n
Christina Egelund (M), Minister for Higher Education and Science<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
DKK 6 billion will go to green research, while DKK 3 billion will support the health and life sciences \u2014 including the setting up of a new national centre for research into women\u2019s health.<\/p>\n
\u00bbIt has become clear that global power struggles are increasingly being fought out via critical technologies. And so our strategic autonomy has become immensely important,\u00ab Egelund said.<\/p>\n
She described the strategy as an effort to prepare Denmark for a new geopolitical reality, where competitiveness, security, and values are closely intertwined.<\/p>\n
The government proposes increasing the universities\u2019 free research and innovation funds (the so-called basic funding) by DKK 3.8 billion over the period. The aim is to reduce dependence on external funding and make universities more resilient.<\/p>\n
At an education and research policy summit at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) recently, Christina Egelund said that the wealth and power of private foundations has \u00bbdistorted\u00ab the Danish research landscape.<\/p>\n
Increased basic funding is an attempt to correct this distortion. She emphasised that this is a priority that is not up for political negotiation.<\/p>\n
Free research and the autonomy of universities are crucial to our free, democratic society<\/p>\n
Christina Egelund (M), Minister for Higher Education and Science<\/p>\n
<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u00bbWe\u2019re taking a significant step towards strengthening universities\u2019 autonomy \u2014 also in relation to both private and public foundations,\u00ab she said in an interview with University Post following her presentation. Non-government foundations will continue to play an important role, she stressed:<\/p>\n
\u00bbI will never complain that we have private foundations in Denmark that want to take on the societal responsibility of funding parts of our research. It\u2019s a good problem to have \u2014 if you can even call it a problem,\u00ab said the minister.<\/p>\n
The proposal will not increase political control over research, she stressed, or challenge the arm\u2019s length principle between politicians and researchers.<\/p>\n
\u00bbThis is not an increase in the specificity of funding. The difference is that we\u2019re now thinking long-term. We\u2019re not going to control it any more or less than we usually do,\u00ab she said.<\/p>\n
According to the minister, most of the funds will still be allocated through competitive processes via organisations like Innovation Fund Denmark, Independent Research Fund Denmark, and private foundations. She has no plans to interfere in terms of who gets the money.<\/p>\n
Enthusiastic audience<\/h3>\n
Rectors from Danish universities were at the presentation of the proposal, alongside representatives from foundations and other stakeholders.<\/p>\n
The new research strategy was met with enthusiasm.<\/p>\n
\u00bbA long-term perspective is extremely important for research. We can\u2019t just dial things up and down on a yearly basis \u2014 we need to be able to hire staff and plan for the long term. I find this deeply encouraging and actually take it as a sign of trust in the universities, that basic funding has now been increased and promises made last year are being made permanent and expanded over a four-year period,\u00ab said Brian Bech Nielsen, Rector of Aarhus University and Chair of the universities lobby group Universities Denmark.<\/p>\n
The Villum Foundation\u2019s research director Thomas Bj\u00f8rnholm \u2014 a former prorector for research at the University of Copenhagen \u2014 was also pleased:<\/p>\n
\u00bbThe value of this money has just increased: Taxpayers\u2019 money and private foundation funding go further when you have a longer horizon,\u00ab he said of the government\u2019s proposal.<\/p>\n
Core values<\/h3>\n
The new research strategy has a strong technological focus, but Christina Egelund emphasises that the humanities and social sciences still have a vital role to play. Researchers in these fields should see themselves as part of the new strategic initiatives.<\/p>\n
\u00bbThe humanities and social sciences should not feel overlooked. They should recognise that, say, artificial intelligence has everything to do with them. In the revolution that artificial intelligence represents, we need to incorporate Danish and European values to ensure that the ethical dimension is included. And I believe that is where Europe can stand out compared to the US and China. We\u2019re good at embedding values when we implement new technology,\u00ab she said to th University Post.<\/p>\n
This perspective is clear throughout the proposal: Research should not only support business interests but also Denmark\u2019s ability to defend its values and act independently in a world marked by instability.<\/p>\n
In this sense, research becomes a part of the Danish government\u2019s security strategy, and normative policy strategy \u2014 breaking with the idea that research policy is primarily about knowledge and education.<\/p>\n
Christina Egelund used the occasion to warn against trends she sees in other countries, where free research is under pressure.<\/p>\n
\u00bbUniversities are being turned into political battlegrounds, and knowledge comes under pressure if it doesn\u2019t align with prevailing political agendas. That must not happen here. Free research and the autonomy of universities are crucial to our free, democratic society,\u00ab she said.<\/p>\n
Shortly after the presentation, initial negotiations with parliamentary parties began on the new research strategy.<\/p>\n
The minister said to the University Post that she is aiming for a broad agreement among political parties:<\/p>\n
\u00bbI hope that the parties in parliament will broadly recognise the need to move beyond short-term thinking in Danish research.\u00ab<\/p>\n
This article was first written in Danish and published on 23 October 2025. It has been translated into English and post-edited by Mike Young.<\/em>
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A new research strategy puts an end to annual negotiations over funding.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/no-more-political-tinkering-danish-government-launches-long-term-research-strategy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"University Post\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/uniavis\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-10-27T01:41:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-03T12:01:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/egelund7-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Martin Juhl\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta 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taking a significant step towards strengthening university autonomy \u2014 also in relation to both private and public foundations,\u00ab said the Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund."},{"acf_fc_layout":"Standfirst","subject":"New strategy","text":"Regeringen lover langsigtet finansiering og frihed til universiteterne, men ogs\u00e5 tydelige nationale prioriteter. Den nye forskningsstrategi s\u00e6tter samtidig punktum for \u00e5rlige forhandlinger om forskningsreserven.","use_post_excerpt":true},{"acf_fc_layout":"Byline","is_author":true,"contributors":false},{"acf_fc_layout":"Content","content":"<p>For the first time in nearly 20 years, a Danish government is set to present a comprehensive, multi-year plan for research.<\/p>\n<p>Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund unveiled a new government proposal last week that she herself describes as a breakthrough in Danish research policy.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>Strategic Priorities for Research and Innovation 2026\u20132029<\/em> proposal commits nearly DKK 19 billion in investments over four years and represents a departure from the tradition of annually distributing a so-called research reserve \u2014 a long-standing political practice in the Danish parliament. Up until now, research spokespersons from the political parties in parliament have negotiated the distribution each autumn. But according to Egelund, the system has become too short-sighted.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbHonestly, a one-year perspective doesn\u2019t really align with the idea of taking a long view and looking to the future,\u00ab the minister said at the presentation.<\/p>\n<h3>Prepared for geopolitical rivalries<\/h3>\n<p>The government proposes that future research funds be allocated through a four-year political agreement, with the main investments concentrated in three priority areas: critical technologies, green research, and health.<\/p>\n<p>A total of DKK 6.9 billion is earmarked for critical technologies like quantum research, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space, and defence research.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>This is not an increase in the specificity of funding. The difference is that we\u2019re now thinking long-term.<\/p>\n<p class=\"quotee\">Christina Egelund (M), Minister for Higher Education and Science<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>DKK 6 billion will go to green research, while DKK 3 billion will support the health and life sciences \u2014 including the setting up of a new national centre for research into women\u2019s health.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbIt has become clear that global power struggles are increasingly being fought out via critical technologies. And so our strategic autonomy has become immensely important,\u00ab Egelund said.<\/p>\n<p>She described the strategy as an effort to prepare Denmark for a new geopolitical reality, where competitiveness, security, and values are closely intertwined.<\/p>\n<h3>Increased baseline funding<\/h3>\n<p>The minister wants to also give Danish universities more freedom.<\/p>\n<p>The government proposes increasing the universities\u2019 free research and innovation funds (the so-called basic funding) by DKK 3.8 billion over the period. The aim is to reduce dependence on external funding and make universities more resilient.<\/p>\n<p>At an education and research policy summit at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) recently, Christina Egelund said that the wealth and power of private foundations has \u00bbdistorted\u00ab the Danish research landscape.<\/p>\n<p>Increased basic funding is an attempt to correct this distortion. She emphasised that this is a priority that is not up for political negotiation.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Free research and the autonomy of universities are crucial to our free, democratic society<\/p>\n<p class=\"quotee\">Christina Egelund (M), Minister for Higher Education and Science<\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>\u00bbWe\u2019re taking a significant step towards strengthening universities\u2019 autonomy \u2014 also in relation to both private and public foundations,\u00ab she said in an interview with University Post following her presentation. Non-government foundations will continue to play an important role, she stressed:<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbI will never complain that we have private foundations in Denmark that want to take on the societal responsibility of funding parts of our research. It\u2019s a good problem to have \u2014 if you can even call it a problem,\u00ab said the minister.<\/p>\n<p>The proposal will not increase political control over research, she stressed, or challenge the arm\u2019s length principle between politicians and researchers.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbThis is not an increase in the specificity of funding. The difference is that we\u2019re now thinking long-term. We\u2019re not going to control it any more or less than we usually do,\u00ab she said.<\/p>\n<p>According to the minister, most of the funds will still be allocated through competitive processes via organisations like Innovation Fund Denmark, Independent Research Fund Denmark, and private foundations. She has no plans to interfere in terms of who gets the money.<\/p>\n<h3>Enthusiastic audience<\/h3>\n<p>Rectors from Danish universities were at the presentation of the proposal, alongside representatives from foundations and other stakeholders.<\/p>\n<p>The new research strategy was met with enthusiasm.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbA long-term perspective is extremely important for research. We can\u2019t just dial things up and down on a yearly basis \u2014 we need to be able to hire staff and plan for the long term. I find this deeply encouraging and actually take it as a sign of trust in the universities, that basic funding has now been increased and promises made last year are being made permanent and expanded over a four-year period,\u00ab said Brian Bech Nielsen, Rector of Aarhus University and Chair of the universities lobby group Universities Denmark.<\/p>\n<p>The Villum Foundation\u2019s research director Thomas Bj\u00f8rnholm \u2014 a former prorector for research at the University of Copenhagen \u2014 was also pleased:<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbThe value of this money has just increased: Taxpayers\u2019 money and private foundation funding go further when you have a longer horizon,\u00ab he said of the government\u2019s proposal.<\/p>\n<h3>Core values<\/h3>\n<p>The new research strategy has a strong technological focus, but Christina Egelund emphasises that the humanities and social sciences still have a vital role to play. Researchers in these fields should see themselves as part of the new strategic initiatives.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbThe humanities and social sciences should not feel overlooked. They should recognise that, say, artificial intelligence has everything to do with them. In the revolution that artificial intelligence represents, we need to incorporate Danish and European values to ensure that the ethical dimension is included. And I believe that is where Europe can stand out compared to the US and China. We\u2019re good at embedding values when we implement new technology,\u00ab she said to th University Post.<\/p>\n<p>This perspective is clear throughout the proposal: Research should not only support business interests but also Denmark\u2019s ability to defend its values and act independently in a world marked by instability.<\/p>\n<p>In this sense, research becomes a part of the Danish government\u2019s security strategy, and normative policy strategy \u2014 breaking with the idea that research policy is primarily about knowledge and education.<\/p>\n<p>Christina Egelund used the occasion to warn against trends she sees in other countries, where free research is under pressure.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbUniversities are being turned into political battlegrounds, and knowledge comes under pressure if it doesn\u2019t align with prevailing political agendas. That must not happen here. Free research and the autonomy of universities are crucial to our free, democratic society,\u00ab she said.<\/p>\n<p>Shortly after the presentation, initial negotiations with parliamentary parties began on the new research strategy.<\/p>\n<p>The minister said to the University Post that she is aiming for a broad agreement among political parties:<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbI hope that the parties in parliament will broadly recognise the need to move beyond short-term thinking in Danish research.\u00ab<\/p>\n<p><em>This article was first written in Danish and published on 23 October 2025. It has been translated into English and post-edited by Mike Young.<\/em><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"ArticleEnd"},{"acf_fc_layout":"Newsletter","lang_select":"en","identifier":"Newsletter","headline":"Get an email with upcoming events and top University of Copenhagen stories","button_text":"Sign up here","class":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"OtherStories","headline":"","hand_picked_posts":false,"references":false,"category":false,"theme":false,"number_of_posts":"4","style":"default"}]},"taxonomyData":{"category":[{"term_id":48,"name":"Politics","slug":"politics","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":48,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":1035,"filter":"raw"}],"post_tag":[],"post_format":[],"expression":[{"term_id":15,"name":"News Article","slug":"news_article","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":15,"taxonomy":"expression","description":"","parent":0,"count":11489,"filter":"raw"}],"translation_priority":[{"term_id":5468,"name":"Optional","slug":"optional-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":5468,"taxonomy":"translation_priority","description":"","parent":0,"count":672,"filter":"raw"}]},"featured_media_url":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/egelund7-1280x853.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182884","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/106"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=182884"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182884\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":182969,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182884\/revisions\/182969"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/182813"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=182884"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=182884"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=182884"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}