2009 Annual Report

2009 showed positive development for the institute. Agder Research has developed into a solid financial entity and turned a profit in 2009. Seven employees were on track for PhDs and two of these defended their theses in 2009. Rate of publication has also increased significantly.

Solid research institution
Agder Research is a solid social science research institute and a part of the university environment in Agder. This entails a clear prioritising of long-term research and emphasis on cooperation with the University of Agder. In 2009, this cooperation was significantly strengthened through the establishment of a joint centre of research on regional innovation (RIS). Increasing the share of research financing from the Research Council of Norway is a goal. Development in 2009 shows a positive trend, and work toward attracting a fair share of national research funds to the region is being intensified.

New PhDs
There were seven people undertaking PhDs in 2009, and two of these defended their theses in 2009. Total pulications increased from four in 2088 to 17 in 2009. In the course of 2009, long-term research programmes in quality of living and creative industries were established, both with support from the counties and Sørlandet's competence fund. Development of strong research milieus is dependent upon long-term planning, both in terms of general prioritising of competence development and on concrete projects. This is also important in terms of recruiting and retaining good researchers. Agder Research uses its funding to systematically prioritise PhD programmes, publication and participation in central research networks. Agder Research had 34 employees, 29 of whom were academic, at the close of the year. It is a goal to increase the total number of employees.

Good results
The financial result for 2009 shows a gross profit of NOK 109 228. The company's financial position is good, captial makes up 44% of total capital. The net result for the year, however, was negative. In 2009, the tax authorities decided that Agder Research. like other regional research institutions, would have to pay taxes effective in 2008. This resulted in the final result, after taxes, being a net loss of NOK 127 571. Agder Research has appealed the decision, but has not received a verdict on the appeal.
Creative industries, quality of life and gender equality, regional innovation and governance, and innovation manadement will remain prioritised core areas in 2010. The institution has presented research work if great interest regionally and nationally, for example the survey of young people on welfare. This is one of many examples that Agder Research is an active partner of the public sector. In addition, Agder Research contributes actively to development of regional enterprises through the VRI project, EYDE network and cooperation with Teknova.