A unique innovation journey that has made the industry more daring - five strategic programme in objective
The first round of strategic innovation programs: Production 2030, Metallic Materials, PiiA, Swedish Mining Innovation and LIGHTer are ending after 12 years. This marks the first part of a unique innovation journey in objective. The programs have paved the way for new collaborations, new knowledge and groundbreaking solutions for the production and process industry, the mining industry and in materials development.
The five now-completed programs have generated over 1,400 innovation projects since their start in 2013, with a total funding of SEK 5.4 billion. Of this, SEK 2.8 billion comes from the state and SEK 2.6 billion in co-financing from the actors. Together, they have strengthened Swedish industry and research, made it more sustainable and created value for society. The last project in the program will end in 2026.
Between 2013 and 2017, 17 strategic innovation programs (SIPs) were launched with funding from the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas and Vinnova. A prerequisite since the start is that a successful programme can be funded for 12 years.
The model that creates innovation
SIP is a collaboration between the public sector, academia and industry and the programs span a range of innovation areas, from new materials to production, circular solutions, life science and sustainable cities. Within the initiatives, companies, academia and organisations together develop the sustainable solutions, products and services of the future. The programs are actor-driven, which means that they have great freedom to prioritize focus areas and efforts.
Some voices: What have the innovation programs meant?
Gert Nilson, Program Manager, Metallic Materials.
SIP has made the industry more cocky. 12 years ago, Swedish industry was not considered the future industry that it is today.
Emma Gretzer, CEO of Formas
The strategic innovation programs have taken the entire Swedish innovation system on a unique learning journey that will have lasting effects. It creates capacity for sustainability and growth and lays the foundation for future innovative solutions.
Peter Johansson, head of department Innovation and research, Technology Companies
This generation of programme has contributed important knowledge development and has also increased the visibility of the industry and its importance to Sweden. We see that more of the companies' R&D resources are being invested in Sweden and here the strategic innovation programs have played an important role.
Here you will find more information about SIP and the five programme that have now ended:
Questions?
Last updated 16 January 2026