Annual report 2019 Photo: Shutterstock/oatawa Photo: SINTEF Annual Report 2019 1 Contents 3-6 About SINTEF Considerations from the CEO 5 Highlights from the SINTEF-year 2019 6 7-23 Report of the Board of Directors 24-34 Results 2019 Key numbers 2019 25 Profit and loss statement 2019 27 SINTEF Community 31 SINTEF Industry 32 SINTEF Digital 33 SINTEF Ocean AS 34 SINTEF Energy Research AS 36 SINTEF Manufacturing AS 38 Photo: iStock-RichVintage Photo: SINTEF Annual Report 2019 2 About SINTEF SINTEF is one of Europe’s largest independent research organisations. Every year we carry out several thousand projects for customers large and small. We deliver innovation by developing knowledge and technologies that are brought into practical use. SINTEF is a broad, multidisciplinary research organisation with international top-level expertise in the fields of technology, the natural sciences, medicine and the social sciences. We conduct contract R&D as a partner for the private and public sectors, and we are one of the largest contract research institutions in Europe. Our vision is Technology for a better society. Photo: iStock-973060200_artJazz Photo: SINTEF Annual Report 2019 3 Science and innovation for clients all over the world 2000 75 3600 employees nationalities clients 4,5 av 5 4600 client satisfaction projects 3500 MNOK 480 MNOK net turnover international sales Over seven out of ten co-workers are scientists ▪ 75% scientists ▪ 11% management and administration ▪ 8% engineers ▪ 5% technical personell 59% of our scientists have a doctorate degree SINTEF Annual Report 2019 4 2019 was a good year, but 2020 will be uncertain for us all Photo: Geir Mogen Photo: 2019 was a good year for the SINTEF Group. We achieved a net to say that in 2019 our net sales linked to research and innova- operating margin of 5.4 per cent, which is in line with our stated tion activities grew by as much as 5.6 per cent, with the highest ongoing minimum target of 5 per cent. We experienced healthy levels of growth in eco-friendly, digital research projects. SINTEF’s growth in terms of sales, and at the start of 2020 our order ambition is to be a world-leading research institute, operating books were healthy, with positive trends in most of SINTEF’s with an independent and market-oriented focus, offering re- market segments. search conducted to the highest scientific standards and helping to promote commercial competitiveness among our clients and All of which promises well for our future prospects. However, beneficial solutions for society as a whole. the times we live in are no longer normal, and the global crisis triggered by the coronavirus has created a virtual state of emer- In order to boost our opportunities to meet the aims of this gency across large parts of the world. As yet, we do not know strategy, we have implemented a number of measures that what the consequences of this will be, and we may be facing very promote SINTEF’s multidisciplinarity by invoking collaboration difficult months ahead. However, one thing is certain. Research between various research groups across the entire organisation. and innovation will be even more crucial to the development and Multidisciplinarity is prerequisite for the creation of effective adaptivity of the business community and wider society when solutions to complex problems. With international specialist normality is eventually restored. This work cannot be brought expertise in many fields of scientific research, SINTEF has great to a halt by a crisis. SINTEF’s ambition is that our expertise and opportunities to participate in the development of the solutions research shall make an active contribution during thisdifficult of the future. situation. However, now in April, it is very un­­certain how the coronavirus crisis will impact on SINTEF’s activities and results for 2020 as a whole. In March 2019, the SINTEF Board approved a new corporate strategy. The UN’s 17 sustainability goals now formally constitute the foundation of our work, and we are actively seeking growth Alexandra Bech Gjørv opportunities that support these goals. I am pleased to be able CEO SINTEF Annual Report 2019 5 Highlights from the SINTEF-year 2019 HIGH OUTPUT FROM SOLAR CELLS: Building-integrated PV cells that supply both heat and electricity have been developed at SINTEF’s solar cell lab in Trondheim. The project has 17 other partners in ten countries. Read more SNAKE ROBOT IS HEADING OFFSHORE: A snake robot will soon be relieving divers and mini-subs in the North Sea. But first researchers have to test its GREEN HYDROGEN FOR SMALL ISLANDS: mettle in the Trondheim Fjord. A solar and wind-based hydrogen plant will make the Read more “whisky island” Myken off the coast of Mid-Norway self-sufficient in electricity. This project may become a model for many other small island communities world- wide. Read more DIGITAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR HARD-HIT PATIENTS: A recently developed app with an in-built “enzyme cal- SMART PLANNING BRINGS IN BILLIONS: culator” reduces stomach pains and intestinal problems What is the best timing for the various hydroelectric among patients with cystic fibrosis – a disease of the plants to produce power? NTNU and SINTEF have devel- lungs and intestinal tract.Read more oped an efficient and profitable simulation tool to make the most of hydropower generation. Read more DIGITALISED TEACHING: In the classroom, non-educational distractions are only BETTER FISH WELFARE: a click or two away. However, a recent SINTEF report The electronic “sensor” fish measures the physical factors demonstrates that these thieves of school pupils’ atten- that affect farmed fish during delousing. The results may tion are already being severelyweakened. Read more lead to welfare improvements in salmon farm cages. Read more WHAT YOUNG PEOPLE ASK ABOUT: GREENER SHIPPING: An analysis of almost 300,000 unsolicited questions We need to cut both global and local emissions from written by young Norwegians on the website ung.no, shipping. The picture is complex, but research is showing has provided major insights into what they’re really that there are many ways to meet this goal.Read more interested in today. Read more SAVING LIFES IN ROAD TUNNELS: Researchers have been investigating how 80 research subjects wearing VR glasses reacted in a virtual tunnel fire. Their conclusion is that basic measures can save lives. Read more SINTEF Annual Report 2019 6 Report of the Board of Directors Photo: Shutterstock/Gencho Petkov Shutterstock/Gencho Photo: SINTEF Annual Report 2019 7 2019 was a good year for the SINTEF Group. We experienced an increase in demand and achieved excellent financialresults in line with our objectives. Our employees report high levels of motivation, team spirit and belief in the future, and our projects are receiving excellent feedback from our clients. SINTEF is an independent and non-profit research foundation number of other Norwegian and international research institutes. offering multidisciplinary specialist expertise across a wide range These collaborations promote high levels of technical quality and of research fields from “ocean space to outer space”. We base are essential if Norway is to succeed in important research fields our activities on the development of knowledge that generates and as an innovative and adaptable industrial nation. value for society, in close collaboration with industry, the public sector and other research centres. The UN’s sustainability goals In recent years, we have carried out a significant re­­structuring of constitute the foundation of our research activities. At SINTEF, the organisation and have succeeded in generating new growth we seek always to integrate sustainability in the ways we conduct in areas that are key to sustainable development. The Board is our work and manage our activities, thus enabling us continually pleased that in 2019, SINTEF has achieved financial revenues, to consolidate our contribution to wider society. surpluses and returns in line with its objectives. This ensures us the ability and freedom to make essential investments in labora- tories, scientific equipment and knowledge development. SINTEF operates with the vibrant and ambitious vision of “technology for a better society”. SINTEF is organised as a foundation with subsidiary companies. Strategy and role in society The organisation’s headquarters, and the majority of its employ- Major upheavals are taking place in the global community and ees, are located in Trondheim, but we also have significant activ- in the Norwegian economy, causing much higher levels of un- ity in Oslo and Raufoss. We also have operations in Mo i Rana, certainty about future developments than we experienced only a Tromsø, Narvik, Bergen, Ålesund, Grenland, Verdal and Hirtshals few years ago. To a much greater extent, our clients are seeking in Denmark, as well as an office in Brussels. strategic dialogue with SINTEF at management level, and are ask- ing us to address complex issues that require both our specialist SINTEF collaborates with clients throughout Norway and in the and wider multidisciplinary expertise across a broad range of international market. We have established a partnership and a technologies and the social sciences. close strategic and collaborative relationship with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). SINTEF also has In March 2019, the Board approved a new corporate strategy a close working relationship with the University of Oslo and a for the SINTEF Group. It has decided to establish the UN’s SINTEF Annual Report 2019 8 sustainability goals the foundation of SINTEF’s work, and thus to seek growth potential in activities that support these goals. SINTEF’s ambition here is to be a world-leading research institute, operating with an independent and market-oriented focus, offering research conducted to the highest scientific standards and helping to promote commercial competitiveness and beneficial solutions for society as a whole.