A novel functionalized norbornene-based copolymer with long poly(epsilon-caprolactone) side chain and cyano group was synthesized in the combination of ring-opening polymerization and ring-opening metathesis polymerization, which was characterized by means of H-1 NMR, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, and stress-strain measurements. The shape memory effect of the copolymer was evaluated by dynamical mechanical analysis, shape recovery ability, and shape recovery speed. Having the properties of the good shape fixity and the large shape recovery, the functionalized polynorbornene copolymer is expected to use as a potential shape memory material. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.