135 applications for more than NOK 28 million

135 applications have been received for "Nettskap 2.0" support. The great interest shows that there are many engaged, knowledgeable and creative web creators in the Norwegian web community. Many of these have accepted the challenge from The Ministry of Government Administration and Reform (FAD). At the application deadline for the "Nettskap 2.0" announcement FAD has received applications for more than NOK 28 million.

- The response is overwhelming. This shows that the Norwegian web community is characterized by innovative power and will, creativity and knowledge. Now is the start of the demanding process to decide how the means are to be distributed in an optimal manner, minister Rigmor Aasrud says.
 
"Nettskap 2.0" was initiated as a trial arrangement to stimulate innovation and service development based on web 2.0, preferably coupled with public data. The projects awarded support are supposed to demonstrate in a convincing manner how they will be able to  obtain their goals for either service development and innovation, more efficient work processes, or increased democratic participation. All of them are supposed to make use of web 2.0 technology and cooperation as their starting point.

The ministry now is starting the process of sorting and going through all applications and considering how to distribute the total amount of 2.5 million to the best projects.
 
- That Norway is a society with rapid adaption of ICT and new digital media, is a fact we have been aware of for quite some time. The response to the "Nettskap 2.0" announcement tells us that we are a nation of digital innovators as well. I am delighted that so many have shown their interest in this scheme, have accepted the challenge and promoted creative and exciting ideas, Ms Aasrud concludes.  
 
FAD aims at deciding the allocation of project money before the end of June. To the extent it might be deemed necessary, individual applicants may be contacted by the ministry for supplementary information. FAD will make use of an external expert panel in the final evaluation of the applications.

Updated information about the further process will be presented on the web sites and through FAD on Twitter. Nettskap 2.0 is a pilot project and not a permanent arrangement. Applicants not receiving support will not have their names publicized. All applications will be treated in a confidential manner.

Nettskap 2.0 (norwegian only) 
 
Contact persons:
Anne-Lena Straumdal, 92 40 16 18 / 22 24 66 14
Sverre Andreas Lunde-Danbolt, 41 48 04 95 / 22 24 47 62