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Funding Strategy

The funding strategy of MARC is documented in an annually updated funding strategy document, de­signed such that the research profile can work strategically to become self-sustaining within the duration of the research profile project. The funding strategy combines immediate and long-term approaches, ensuring the continuity and expansion of MARC. The strategy is documented and designed such that MARC is self-sustaining within the 8 years of MARC, for the research environment to be able to stand by itself and continue operation once the research-profile project is terminated.

How to achieve self-sustaining funding and visions for the future

In addition to the original team of MARC partners, we intend to expand our collaborations with interna­ tional researchers and additional business partners, funding these additions through various programs. We have identified key national sources such as VINNOVA (Advanced Digitalisation, FFI, and upcom­ ing Impact Innovation programs), VR, SSF, and additional schemes from KKS. SBUF is a great source of funding related to construction engineering (relating to UC3).

Internationally, we will concentrate on securing EU projects, leveraging our growing international network. We will join or form research con­ sortia to support larger funding opportunities, especially in EU-funded projects and large constructions like a Vinnova competence centre.

Developing joint projects in collaboration with other universities and research institutions can help pool resources and access collective funding. Here, we will utilise the networks, partners and outreach of the co-production platforms Automation Region, MITC and Robot­ dalen, with support from MARC's SAB and IAB and MDU's central Division of Research Support (FSI). Beyond regular funding avenues, we plan to leverage MARC's use cases in our research to attract more projects related to our areas of expertise.

We intend to follow an annual cycle with two major meetings focused on analysing the year's current funding calls and strategising our approach with respect to available calls, researchers, and partners. This cycle will help us set and achieve growth targets for each research area. These meetings will also update our funding strategy document to be up-to-date and available to all MARC partners. By evaluating the staff volume and potential project outcomes, we aim to grow each research area by a specific target percentage annually. For example, during the first half of MARC, the senior researchers are expected to double their engagement in projects related to MARC, with postdocs, seniors and affiliated researchers contributing even more significantly.