CMI research informing Norwegian development policy 

On Tuesday 2 September, the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) welcomed Norway’s Minister of International Development, Åsmund Grøver Aukrust, for a focused dialogue on how research can strengthen Norwegian development policy and practice.

The visit brought together leading CMI researchers to present key initiatives and findings across areas such as anti-corruption, rights activism, tax and public finance, and academic collaboration with Sudan. The minister also received insights into CMI’s Development Learning Lab (DLL), a centre dedicated to enhancing learning and improving the results of development cooperation.

“We are very pleased to welcome Minister Aukrust to CMI. His visit is a valuable opportunity to share how our research contributes to solving real-world challenges in development policy,” says CMI Director Espen Villanger.

“Norway’s development efforts must be grounded in knowledge and evidence. At CMI, we are committed to producing research that is not only academically rigorous, but also relevant and useful for policymakers.”

Minister Aukrust emphasised that he had come to CMI to listen and learn. He noted that the world is undergoing dramatic changes, from war to growing inequality and a breakdown in international trust, and that Norway’s development policies must be grounded in solid research and knowledge. He stressed the importance of close dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and civil society, and highlighted national resource mobilisation and taxation as key areas of interest.

The presentations in the meeting highlighted CMI’s contributions to policy-relevant research:

• Development Learning Lab (DLL): Research Professor Ottar Mæstad showcased how DLL supports learning and adaptive management in development cooperation.
• Rights Activism under Political Uncertainty: Senior Researcher Matthew Gichohi presented findings on LGBTQ rights and activism in politically volatile contexts.
• U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre – U4 Director Hilde Selbervik shared insights into U4’s global work on anti-corruption strategies and tools.
• Tax and Public Finance Research: Senior Researcher Ingrid Hoem Sjursen and Research Professor Odd-Helge Fjeldstad discussed how CMI’s work informs fiscal policy in partner countries.
• Sudan Norway Academic Collaboration (SNAC): Senior Researcher Munzoul Assal highlighted the importance of long-term academic partnerships in fragile contexts.

The visit underscored the importance of continued dialogue between research institutions and the government. CMI remains committed to contributing knowledge that supports Norway’s international development efforts in a rapidly changing world.