New partnership with the US on cooperation in 6G

The partnership will promote knowledge exchange and technical cooperation between research institutions, universities and companies in both countries. It gives Sweden access to valuable expertise and resources from American partners, which can create new opportunities for Swedish companies to be globally competitive.

By collaborating with American companies and investors, Swedish companies can benefit from capital, market expertise and global business networks. Something that can strengthen Sweden's competitiveness and create new job opportunities within the Swedish digital economy.

The agreement covers research, innovation and competence, and specifically mentions 6G, artificial intelligence, sensors, quantum technology and technology education.

By combining Sweden's outstanding technical competence with the USA's pioneering research the collaboration will promote the development of 6G systems, applications and networks, which will shape the digital landscape of the future.

- 6G is a strategically important technology area that creates the conditions for the future's advanced digital solutions. It is important for Sweden to be at the forefront of growth opportunities and competitiveness. This is a partnership that has potential to lead to the breakthrough development of new technologies, business areas and services. It creates the conditions for innovations that are needed for a green transition, resilience and safety, says Darja Isaksson, director general of Vinnova.

Vinnova and the Swedish Research Council already have an implementation agreement with NSF within the Convergence Accelerator Program (CAP) research program which aims to speed up the process from basic research to product and market.

Vinnova and the Swedish Research Council have also been tasked by the government to make a special effort on research and innovation on 6G during 2024–2026, with Vinnova being awarded SEK 250 million and the Swedish Research Council 140 million.

The first the calls for proposals within the new cooperation agreement are planned to open in the autumn.