The overall objective of NordForsk is to support research collaboration of high quality and significance for society, with clear Nordic added value. Further, NordForsk facilitates the development and funding of research programmes. 

In 2018, the Nordic Council of Ministers for Education and Research (MR-U) adopted several principles for the strategy and operational procedures at NordForsk. These principles were intended to further develop, focus, and reform the organization and activities of NordForsk. 

The main conclusion in the evaluation is that the organisational performance of NordForsk has been excellent since 2018 and has developed to a relevant and useful platform for Nordic collaboration on initiating Nordic research collaboration.