VIA has attended hearings in the Business Committee, the Transport and Communications Committee and the Energy and Environment Committee at the Storting and provided input to the state budget 2024.

VIA highlighted the need for a green industry boost in the construction sector and that this should be a priority in the state budget for 2024.

The construction sector is Norway's largest mainland industry and accounts for 40% of Norway's greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and waste. Hundreds of billions are invested annually in construction, roads, railways and other infrastructure projects, and the potential is great for reducing the industry's negative impact on climate and the environment, so that we reach national climate targets. At the same time, it offers great opportunities for developing new value chains and new Norwegian industry.

The transport systems of the future must be created in an economically sustainable, efficient and smart way, while at the same time working to achieve the climate and environmental goals we have committed to. A functioning transport infrastructure is critical to our society, and we need to increase the pace of innovation in order to meet the challenges of the future. Cost-effectiveness and quality must go hand in hand. Green transition is key, and expertise is crucial. To succeed, we need to break sectoral boundaries and work together across. VIA has an important role — driving and facilitating cooperation at the intersection of business, public sector and research.

The research and innovation project “Sustainable value chain and material use in road construction”, which VIA leads on behalf of New Roads, has received support from the Green Platform scheme. The project is a good example of how collaboration on research and innovation can help reduce CO_{! 2}emissions in the transport sector, and VIA believes that more calls are needed to support projects of this type.

Collaborative research and development is key if we are to succeed in this. Today, only 3.6% of research funding goes to construction. It is worrying that facilities are lagging behind.

VIA therefore requested that the following be prioritized in the state budget for 2024

1. That research funds are earmarked for construction with a focus on the transport sector.
2. That funds are set aside for more calls in the Green Platform scheme.
3. That priority be given to funds for the establishment of a Norwegian catapult for transport infrastructure.
4th. That NOK 30 million will be allocated to pilot projects that aim to reduce indirect emissions.
5. That priority is to strengthen the cluster program and set aside money for mature clusters.