New research centre for international economics opens in Norway

News story | Date: 08/06/2026 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and Research

A new research centre at the University of Oslo will provide more knowledge about international economics, trade and global developments.

Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide today opened the Norwegian Centre for International Economics (NORCIE) at the University of Oslo.

'The global economy is changing rapidly. War, geopolitical rivalry and trade turbulence creates uncertainty for small, open economies such as Norway. We need more up-to-date knowledge about how these changes affect our interests and how we should respond to them,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

NORCIE will help strengthen Norway's ability to understand and manage changes in the international economy and global trade. The centre will also examine the consequences of changes in the international economy and trade for developing countries.

'Norwegian social science research is of a high international standard and can contribute to better policymaking. When the world changes rapidly, we need strong research communities that can provide high-quality independent knowledge,' said Minister of Research and Higher Education Sigrun Aasland.

The centre will be headed by Professor Karen Helene Ulltveit-Moe. NORCIE brings together researchers from the Department of Economics and ARENA Centre for European Studies at the University of Oslo, the Chr. Michelsen Institute and the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). NORCIE is funded by the Research Council of Norway.

The centre will serve as a national hub for research, data, training, seminars and knowledge-sharing on international economics. It will also establish GeoEconomics Dialogues, a forum for regular dialogue between researchers, the authorities, the business community and civil society.