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Gathering forces for AI in municipalities and civil society

The Riksdag has decided that Sweden should be the best in the world at using the opportunities of digitalisation. In the digital transformation journey that the whole of society is now undergoing, artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative technologies. We believe this is an opportunity for municipalities and civil society that deserves special focus.

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About the initiative

  • The challenges of welfare eligibility requirements radical new thinking in the design of future public services and how they are produced. If harnessed correctly, digitalization offers opportunities to create efficient and innovative welfare that responds to the needs of citizens.

    The challenges of welfare eligibility requirements radical new thinking in the design of future public services and how they are produced. If harnessed correctly, digitalization offers opportunities to create efficient and innovative welfare that responds to the needs of citizens.

    Digitalization in welfare has been ongoing for decades, with AI being a new technological element. New technology creates additional needs for skills and abilities in welfare organizations. Expectations for the public sector to be able to deliver even better and more efficient welfare, given the societal challenges that Sweden faces, are high.

    DIGG has calculated that a full introduction of today's AI technology in public administration could mean an economic benefit to society of SEK 140 billion annually.Municipalities are responsible for the majority of welfare, but civil society is also an important player in the work of developing it. The opportunity for new values, increased quality and efficiency for better welfare and societal benefit with the help of AI exists in all areas related to municipal activities: from healthcare, social care and schools to public transport, administration and urban planning.

    Civil society organizations also have great opportunities to use AI to take on new challenges and conduct more efficient and (legally) secure activities. They have good opportunities to become a trusted and innovative actor in the collection and use of data based on their fundamentally high level of trust among citizens. The issue of AI is being addressed within civil society, among other things, through cross-sectoral strategy work during the years 20/21. (NYSTA).

    One of their conclusions is that:

    Civil society has good opportunities to develop and create great value for themselves and for all residents of Sweden by using the opportunities of AI and digitalization.

    Based on the needs and opportunities described above, it is essential that municipalities and civil society organizations strengthen their capacity and ability for innovation and insightful prioritization in the AI area. It is only when all of Sweden can advance its positions in digital development that the whole of society can share in the greatest benefits.

    Both DIGG, Statistics Sweden and SKR note that there are several challenges to realizing the benefits of AI. To successfully drive development forward, everything from knowledge support and change management to technical resources is needed. There is also a need for more widespread cooperation and more of a common direction where important issues and needs related to AI can be solved jointly.

    Based on the above, Vinnova has decided to implement a four-year effort with the goal of stimulating and strengthening the capacity and ability of municipalities and civil society to utilize the opportunities of artificial intelligence. We call it the Gathering of Power for AI in Municipalities and Civil Society and is being implemented in collaboration with AI Sweden.

    The gathering of forces is a complement to other efforts by the government and other authorities aimed at the public sector and civil society and is taking place in collaboration with DIGG (the Swedish Agency for Digital Governance), MUFC (the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society Affairs) and SKR (Sveriges Kommuner and Regions).

    Digitalization in welfare has been ongoing for decades, with AI being a new technological element. New technology creates additional needs for skills and abilities in welfare organizations. Expectations for the public sector to be able to deliver even better and more efficient welfare, given the societal challenges that Sweden faces, are high.

    DIGG has calculated that a full introduction of today's AI technology in public administration could mean an economic benefit to society of SEK 140 billion annually.Municipalities are responsible for the majority of welfare, but civil society is also an important player in the work of developing it. The opportunity for new values, increased quality and efficiency for better welfare and societal benefit with the help of AI exists in all areas related to municipal activities: from healthcare, social care and schools to public transport, administration and urban planning.

    Civil society organizations also have great opportunities to use AI to take on new challenges and conduct more efficient and (legally) secure activities. They have good opportunities to become a trusted and innovative actor in the collection and use of data based on their fundamentally high level of trust among citizens. The issue of AI is being addressed within civil society, among other things, through cross-sectoral strategy work during the years 20/21. (NYSTA).

    One of their conclusions is that:

    Civil society has good opportunities to develop and create great value for themselves and for all residents of Sweden by using the opportunities of AI and digitalization.

    Based on the needs and opportunities described above, it is essential that municipalities and civil society organizations strengthen their capacity and ability for innovation and insightful prioritization in the AI area. It is only when all of Sweden can advance its positions in digital development that the whole of society can share in the greatest benefits.

    Both DIGG, Statistics Sweden and SKR note that there are several challenges to realizing the benefits of AI. To successfully drive development forward, everything from knowledge support and change management to technical resources is needed. There is also a need for more widespread cooperation and more of a common direction where important issues and needs related to AI can be solved jointly.

    Based on the above, Vinnova has decided to implement a four-year effort with the goal of stimulating and strengthening the capacity and ability of municipalities and civil society to utilize the opportunities of artificial intelligence. We call it the Gathering of Power for AI in Municipalities and Civil Society and is being implemented in collaboration with AI Sweden.

    The gathering of forces is a complement to other efforts by the government and other authorities aimed at the public sector and civil society and is taking place in collaboration with DIGG (the Swedish Agency for Digital Governance), MUFC (the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society Affairs) and SKR (Sveriges Kommuner and Regions).

  • The collection of power consists of tools, support. Within the framework of the initiative, AI Sweden will support municipalities and civil society organizations in a number of different ways in the practical implementation for at least four years. Vinnova contributes with project funding. The collection of power is divided into 6 areas of intervention.

    The collection of power consists of tools, support. Within the framework of the initiative, AI Sweden will support municipalities and civil society organizations in a number of different ways in the practical implementation for at least four years. Vinnova contributes with project funding. The collection of power is divided into 6 areas of intervention.

    1. Mobilization
      A broad mobilization takes place where the target group is invited for learning, collaboration and help getting started.
    2. Arena of Cooperation
      A central part consists of creating a platform and forum for collaboration and exchange of experiences within the target group. AI Sweden provides ongoing information about activities and provides the collaboration platform my.ai.se.
    3. Structural capital
      Through his expertise and interaction with the target group, AI Sweden gradually builds a portfolio of valuable tools that everyone can use to move forward. This includes documentation of experiences, guides, methodology, use cases, etc.
    4. Funding
      During the gathering of forces, Vinnova offers four calls for proposals where the target group and involved companies can seek financial support for their project. More information can be found below.
    5. Support for project
      AI Sweden will support the project that Vinnova finances. They will also facilitate collaboration and make important experiences from these project available to the entire target group.
    6. National coordination
      AI Sweden and SKR run an AI council for Swedish municipalities where common needs and opportunities are identified, prioritized and actively driven forward. One of Vinnova's calls for proposals supports broad collaborative projects for building common capabilities.

    On AI Sweden's website and their other channels you can get more information about what is specifically offered as it is built up.

    In order for the work to have the greatest possible impact, it is valuable that as many municipalities and civil society actors as possible get involved in the gathering of forces. The decisive factor is not whether you use AI today, the decisive factor is whether you are curious about how your business can utilize a completely new toolbox.

    1. Mobilization
      A broad mobilization takes place where the target group is invited for learning, collaboration and help getting started.
    2. Arena of Cooperation
      A central part consists of creating a platform and forum for collaboration and exchange of experiences within the target group. AI Sweden provides ongoing information about activities and provides the collaboration platform my.ai.se.
    3. Structural capital
      Through his expertise and interaction with the target group, AI Sweden gradually builds a portfolio of valuable tools that everyone can use to move forward. This includes documentation of experiences, guides, methodology, use cases, etc.
    4. Funding
      During the gathering of forces, Vinnova offers four calls for proposals where the target group and involved companies can seek financial support for their project. More information can be found below.
    5. Support for project
      AI Sweden will support the project that Vinnova finances. They will also facilitate collaboration and make important experiences from these project available to the entire target group.
    6. National coordination
      AI Sweden and SKR run an AI council for Swedish municipalities where common needs and opportunities are identified, prioritized and actively driven forward. One of Vinnova's calls for proposals supports broad collaborative projects for building common capabilities.

    On AI Sweden's website and their other channels you can get more information about what is specifically offered as it is built up.

    In order for the work to have the greatest possible impact, it is valuable that as many municipalities and civil society actors as possible get involved in the gathering of forces. The decisive factor is not whether you use AI today, the decisive factor is whether you are curious about how your business can utilize a completely new toolbox.

  • Funding opportunities from Vinnova also create the conditions for putting ideas into practice. During three periods it will be possible to apply for funds for concrete development projects, and there will also be a call for proposals tailored to develop shareable resources and solutions.

    Funding opportunities from Vinnova also create the conditions for putting ideas into practice. During three periods it will be possible to apply for funds for concrete development projects, and there will also be a call for proposals tailored to develop shareable resources and solutions.

    Vinnova's planned calls for proposals within the framework of the initiative

    • Start your AI journey: For organizational learning and practical use of artificial intelligence. One-year pilot projects are funded through two similar calls for proposals that are open May - September 2022 and 2023, respectively.
    • Scaling up AI solutions in municipalities and civil society. Financial support for AI solutions in early use that have potential to scale widely within the target group. The call for proposals is open from March 2023 and closes in May 2023.
    • Gemensamma AI-förmågor in municipalities and civil society. Financial support for collaborative projects where several municipalities and/or civil society organizations come together to jointly build increased AI capabilities. The call for proposals will be announced from June 2023, is open from November 1, 2023 and closes on April 3, 2024.

    Vinnova's planned calls for proposals within the framework of the initiative

    • Start your AI journey: For organizational learning and practical use of artificial intelligence. One-year pilot projects are funded through two similar calls for proposals that are open May - September 2022 and 2023, respectively.
    • Scaling up AI solutions in municipalities and civil society. Financial support for AI solutions in early use that have potential to scale widely within the target group. The call for proposals is open from March 2023 and closes in May 2023.
    • Gemensamma AI-förmågor in municipalities and civil society. Financial support for collaborative projects where several municipalities and/or civil society organizations come together to jointly build increased AI capabilities. The call for proposals will be announced from June 2023, is open from November 1, 2023 and closes on April 3, 2024.

  • The collection of forces will last for at least four years and has four basic objective. It is best seen as a broad set of different efforts and values that the target group can adopt according to their own needs and interests. The collection of forces should be valuable to all organizations regardless of AI maturity, size and available resources.

    The collection of forces will last for at least four years and has four basic objective. It is best seen as a broad set of different efforts and values that the target group can adopt according to their own needs and interests. The collection of forces should be valuable to all organizations regardless of AI maturity, size and available resources.

    1. Increasing AI maturity among the target group

    The gathering of forces will support the target group's maturation journey from interest and initial learning to a higher level of maturity based on practical experience, work with technical infrastructure and data, and organizational ability.

    2. Active collaboration and coordination

    The target group will be given the opportunity for forums and tools for collaboration and concrete cooperation. The gathering of forces will also enable improved regional and national coordination on issues and needs of strategic importance to the target group so that common priorities can be set and implemented.

    3. Building and making structural capital available

    AI Sweden will, in collaboration with the target group and supporting actors, work to ensure that the experience, knowledge and other values that are created are converted into structural capital that is made available to the entire target group in the form of articles, guides, policy proposals, use cases, tools, etc.

    4. Synergies with the entire AI ecosystem

    The gathering of forces will create the conditions for the target group's work with AI to take place in the best possible synergy with the entire AI ecosystem and the rest of society - from industry and startups to academia, authorities and regions.

    1. Increasing AI maturity among the target group

    The gathering of forces will support the target group's maturation journey from interest and initial learning to a higher level of maturity based on practical experience, work with technical infrastructure and data, and organizational ability.

    2. Active collaboration and coordination

    The target group will be given the opportunity for forums and tools for collaboration and concrete cooperation. The gathering of forces will also enable improved regional and national coordination on issues and needs of strategic importance to the target group so that common priorities can be set and implemented.

    3. Building and making structural capital available

    AI Sweden will, in collaboration with the target group and supporting actors, work to ensure that the experience, knowledge and other values that are created are converted into structural capital that is made available to the entire target group in the form of articles, guides, policy proposals, use cases, tools, etc.

    4. Synergies with the entire AI ecosystem

    The gathering of forces will create the conditions for the target group's work with AI to take place in the best possible synergy with the entire AI ecosystem and the rest of society - from industry and startups to academia, authorities and regions.

  • The Power Gathering is a collaboration between Vinnova and AI Sweden. Vinnova is responsible for calls for proposals and project funding, while AI Sweden runs the Power Gathering itself and its communication.

    The Power Gathering is a collaboration between Vinnova and AI Sweden. Vinnova is responsible for calls for proposals and project funding, while AI Sweden runs the Power Gathering itself and its communication.

    The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with DIGG (the Swedish Agency for Digital Governance), MUFC (the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society) and SKR (Sveriges Kommuner and Regions). The gathering of forces is coordinated by a reference group that includes all five organizations.

    • Fredrik Weisner is the project manager for the gathering of forces at Vinnova.
    • Rebecka Lönnroth is AI Swedens programme manager.

    The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with DIGG (the Swedish Agency for Digital Governance), MUFC (the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society) and SKR (Sveriges Kommuner and Regions). The gathering of forces is coordinated by a reference group that includes all five organizations.

    • Fredrik Weisner is the project manager for the gathering of forces at Vinnova.
    • Rebecka Lönnroth is AI Swedens programme manager.

  • There are many ways to participate and get involved in the gathering of power, regardless of which organization you belong to or what role you have. We look forward to an increasing number of organizations contributing knowledge and activities to the gathering of power.

    There are many ways to participate and get involved in the gathering of power, regardless of which organization you belong to or what role you have. We look forward to an increasing number of organizations contributing knowledge and activities to the gathering of power.

    The best way to gain insight is by visiting the AI Swedens website for the initiative and following them via newsletters and on linked in. AI Sweden has a mobilizing and coordinating role and will increasingly make information available and advertise initiatives in the coming months.

    You can also join AI Swedens's online service My AI. My AI is a community for sharing and collaborating on use cases and domain knowledge in AI. A growing number of municipalities and civil society organizations have joined and are sharing what they do, what they can do and what they want to do. It is an excellent platform for finding inspiration, activities and collaboration partners.

    Vinnova will advertise the calls for proposals on Vinnova.se in good time and we will organize information meetings in connection with them.

    The best way to gain insight is by visiting the AI Swedens website for the initiative and following them via newsletters and on linked in. AI Sweden has a mobilizing and coordinating role and will increasingly make information available and advertise initiatives in the coming months.

    You can also join AI Swedens's online service My AI. My AI is a community for sharing and collaborating on use cases and domain knowledge in AI. A growing number of municipalities and civil society organizations have joined and are sharing what they do, what they can do and what they want to do. It is an excellent platform for finding inspiration, activities and collaboration partners.

    Vinnova will advertise the calls for proposals on Vinnova.se in good time and we will organize information meetings in connection with them.

  • Funded project

    You can find funded projects in our project database.

    You can find funded projects in our project database.

Information

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Fredrik Weisner: We could make AI our thing

Questions?

Fredrik Weisner

Operations manager for the power collection

+46 8 473 31 80

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Last updated 17 June 2025