Strategic innovation programmes recieve continued funding

Six of the programs have undergone a major evaluation six years after the start and on the recommendation of them, Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency and Formas have decided on continued funding for the next three-year stage. The programs are BioInnovation, SIO Grafen, IoT Sverige (Internet of Things), Smarter Electronics Systems, Swelife (life science) and Innovair (aviation).

The evaluation carried out in 2020 shows that the programs have contributed to broad collaboration, strengthened international competitiveness of participating actors and to mobilization and renewal in their respective areas.

- This type of national investment in research and innovation is important to drive the adjustment and renewal that is necessary for the future. This is something we need to continue to develop. The programs contribute to increased knowledge, new collaborations and to companies wanting to invest in Sweden, says Darja Isaksson, director general of Vinnova.

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

Facts about strategic innovation programs

Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency and Formas fund 17 strategic innovation programs for collaboration in research and innovation that will contribute to creating conditions for sustainable solutions to global societal challenges and increased international competitiveness. It is a government effort of a total of eight billion kronor on programme that can receive funding for up to 12 years, where the business community and other actors contribute the same amount. All programme undergo a comprehensive evaluation after six years. In 2020, it was decided to continue funding first five programs that started in 2014.