Swedish industry is facing a rapidly growing need for digitalization. To meet this, new, digital innovations are needed that solve real problems in the short and long term. To strengthen innovation capacity, and meet future eligibility requirements for digitalisation, sustainability and resource efficiency, Vinnova is working together with other actors in the Avancerad Digitalisering innovation and research program.
Vinnova has now made a decision in one of the program's largest calls for proposals in recent years: System-changing initiatives. The initiative was launched in 2025, when a call for proposals for pre-study projects opened. Project that conducted a feasibility study were then given the chance to apply for long-term funding over three years of a maximum of SEK 50 million per year.
At the end of April, the decisions were made – six project will have the opportunity to create long-term change with digital technology. Together, they will receive funding of 360 million SEK. This could involve developing and changing parts of the industry's infrastructure, regulations and behaviors, demonstrating and testing solutions in a real environment, or reshaping value chains, forms of collaboration and business models.
– The projects have great potential to drive change in industry, both within individual sectors and on a broad front. The scope is wide, from sustainable forestry to energy-efficient industry and safe decisions in production. It shows the crucial role that digitalisation plays in meeting today's challenges, says Cassandra Marshall, call manager at Vinnova.
In addition to funds from Vinnova, each project receives funding from the business community through the Avancerad Digitalisering program. The initiative is an important milestone, says Nils Hertzberg, program manager.
– We welcome these projects! The initiative is both large and unique and takes a comprehensive approach to the program's priority areas. It will strengthen Sweden's and industry's conditions to be at the forefront of the digital and green transition. Through broad collaboration and commitment from many actors, good opportunities are created to solve problems at the system level and accelerate the development of the next generation of advanced, powerful and secure digital solutions, says Nils Hertzberg.
