Strategic innovation programmes recieve continued funding

The first five programs have undergone a major evaluation six years after the start and on the recommendation of it Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency and Formas have decided on continued funding for the next three-year stage. The programs are Lightweight, Metallic Materials, Processindustriell IT and Automation (PiiA), Production2030 and the strategic innovation program for Swedish mining and metal mining industry STRIM.

- The programs contribute to increased knowledge, new collaborations and to companies investing in research and innovation in Sweden. This is something that we need to continue to invest in, ”says Darja Isaksson, director general of Vinnova.

The 2019 evaluation shows that the programs have contributed to broad collaboration, national power gathering, the spread of technology across traditional industry boundaries and strengthened international competitiveness of the participating actors.

Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency and Formas finance 17 strategic innovation programs for collaboration in research and innovation. It is a government effort totaling SEK 8 billion on programme that can receive funding for up to 12 years, where business and other actors contribute equally. Every three years, decisions are made about the programs receiving continued funding.

The six-year evaluation was conducted by Faugert & Co Utvärdering in collaboration with Technopolis Ltd and Sweco Society.

Facts about strategic innovation programs

Strategic innovation programs are a joint effort of Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency and Formas on actor-driven programme through collaboration in areas that are strategically important for Sweden. They will contribute to creating the conditions for sustainable solutions to global societal challenges and increased international competitiveness. All programme undergo a comprehensive evaluation after six years. In 2020, the six programme that started in 2014 will be evaluated.