Co-funding – companies conducting research with IVL

Research and assignments to meet current and future needs

IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute conducts advanced research, as well as performing consultancy assignments for companies that require expert assistance in relation to the environment. In addition to this, we offer companies co-funded research in which the state provides half the sum. This gives companies an opportunity to increase their research and development budget along with us.

IVL offers forms of collaboration with three different types of funding. Appropriations-based research, co-funding and consultancy assignments – and all three variants can involve a large number of actors.

RESEARCH AND ASSIGNMENTS IN EQUAL PARTS IVL carries out equal amounts of research and consultancy work. Half of our operations are external assignments for companies, authorities or organisations, including both large and small consultancy assignments.

The advantage of working with both research and assignments is that the two parts complement each other. We build up our expertise through research, produce methods, new knowledge and other results, and thereby safeguard the quality and relevance of our assignments. At the same time, the assignment operations highlight areas where more research is needed. The assignments are carried out closer to the end user, and this is frequently accompanied by dialogue about future knowledge requirements. The expertise exists in-house, which is a strength when it comes to our consultancy assignments. You don’t just get the research, but also all relevant perspectives into the bargain.

WIDE RANGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALISTS Coordinating complex projects with a large number of actors is one of our strengths. This is true whether we are talking about co-funding projects, major research programmes or consultancy assignments.

We employ more than 300 environmental specialists withing virtually all areas – science, politics, engineering, behavioural research – all with the focus on sustainability and the environment. We have a good reputation and a result from us is credible. Having collaborated with IVL in a research project serves to strengthen your brand. The research also benefits from including corporate perspectives, which helps to make the research incisive and relevant.

CO-FUNDED RESEARCH –50 PERCENT PAID BY THE STATE IVL’s co-funding projects cover all the thematic areas in which we work: water, infrastructure, sewage, transportation, electricity efficiency improvements, and much more besides.

Through the co-funding projects, companies are given the opportunity to obtain research with state funds. IVL is able to offer this via funding from our owner, Stiftelsen IVL (SIVL), thanks to the government grants that will go to this part of IVL’s operations. In practice, this means that the state funds half of the project, while the company or trade association is responsible for the other half.

We design and carry out co-funded research projects in close collaboration with business partners. This provides greater transparency and a better transfer of knowledge, enabling our partners build up expertise within their own organisation.

Kristina Jonsson, Sales Director at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute John Munthe, Vice-President, Research, at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute

The research in a co-funding project must not be too narrow, which is the difference compared to a consultancy assignment. It should be of interest to a whole industry or to society at large. The results are formally owned by Stiftelsen IVL and will be published publicly, although business-critical information is obviously protected.

The advantage for companies is that they can benefit from IVL’s skilled researchers and themselves participate actively in the research. This entails learning that goes far beyond studying results or reading a report.

PROBLEM-SOLVERS WITH A HOLISTIC APPROACH When you are facing a new challenge or a problem within your environmental and sustainability work, IVL is a good partner. We may not suggest the easiest way forward, but we can address the problem from a holistic perspective and bring together skills from different areas.

Our independence adds to our credibility. We are constantly striving to be at the forefront, as we work with both research and assignments. This means that we can work here and now, and at the same time introduce knowledge regarding future requirements and developments.

CO-FINANCED RESEARCH IN BRIEF

• Provides a unique opportunity for Swedish companies and industries to carry out research projects at

IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, with funding from both the state and business.

• A co-funded project is based on an environmental problem or an environment-related development opportunity.

The project should be relevant to an industry or to society.

• Both private companies and trade associations can be involved.

• The research is 50 percent financed through government funds that are distributed via Formas and the Swedish

Environmental Protection Agency. State funds are also used to match research grants from the EU.

• The results of co-funded projects are always publicly available through publication in IVL’s report series or other open channels.