Last February Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Innovation announced her intention to close Iceland’s Innovation Center (NMÍ) at this year’s end. According to a statement from the Ministry; new avenues will be found to make sure the works currently done by The Centre continues. The Ministers message describes a vision of channelling the funds to multiple separate projects rather than a central institution. What exactly this entails is somewhat vague, but the suggestion is that business development and innovation organisations could apply for the funding previously allocated to NMÍ.
Shortly after the announcement, everything went into COVID19 mode. The current government has announced its plans to nurture innovation and science as Iceland’s recovery strategy. The question is then if this is still what serves us best.
Space Iceland is fortunate enough to have a cooperative and working relationship with the centre. For us here at the office it will be sad to see that change. The question is, therefore, whether Space Iceland should have an opinion on the matter. Doy you have a relationship with the centre? Everything you send us is confidential and for our eyes at the office.
Please reply to this email if you have any questions or concerns. Positive or negative thoughts on the policy, and questions are welcome. If there is a lot of interest in this issue, we will arrange for a work meeting where we will ask someone from the Ministry and the centre to go over the changes. Then ask for your view for a formal opinion. It will then be sent to the Minister.
Space Icelands current position on the Ministers decision is that we have no opinion. We are asking for yours.
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