Vinnova proposes concrete billion-sek investments to strengthen Swedish technology leadership

Sweden needs to get better at making new technology grow here. That's why Vinnova is now proposing a series of long-term initiatives, strengthened national coordination, cross-technology instruments and strategic acceleration programs that together will pave the way for Sweden's technology leadership. It's about developing and testing technology on a larger scale, getting companies to grow, mobilizing private capital and creating stronger connections between research, business and the market.

The roadmaps for Sweden's technology leadership brings together 13 concrete proposals, some starting as early as 2027/2028. The report was produced at the request of the government within the mission of research and innovation within clusters of excellence for cutting-edge and strategic technology. This year's publication is the first in an annual reporting until 2028.

– In a time of geopolitical uncertainty, we need to act more forcefully. Sweden has the strengths, but we must become better at translating them into technology leadership. This requires greater investments and higher pace and better conditions to scale up technology that creates value for Sweden, says Darja Isaksson, director general at Vinnova

Invest in technology where Sweden can take the lead

Strategic technologies are technology areas that are important for Swedish development and competitiveness, such as AI and autonomous systems, 6G and digital connectivity, semiconductors, quantum technology, advanced materials and biotechnology. A effort to help strategically important technology from the pilot stage to industrial production is Teknikklivet. Vinnova proposes that at least one billion kronor per year from 2028 and two billion from 2032 be allocated for the effort.

Vinnova also proposes a Technology Infrastructure Lift, with a total of at least 2 billion per year from 2028, and 4 billion from 2032. Of which the state should be responsible for at least half. This involves laboratories, clean rooms, pilot lines, test beds, data resources, computing capacity and demonstration environments.

Strengthening clusters of excellence for groundbreaking technology and establishing strategic acceleration programs in prioritized technology areas are two other initiatives that Vinnova believes Sweden should invest in.

– Technology leadership is not built with individuals project. Sweden needs to invest long-term, choose where we are going to be really strong and gather resources to take the technology all the way to use and industrial scale. Sweden can and should have high ambitions, but in order for us to achieve them we need to act together, says Darja Isaksson.

Better term for businesses to grow

Technology leadership is not just about research and development. Sweden also needs more companies that can grow, attract capital and establish themselves in international markets. Vinnova is therefore proposing, among other things, the Scaleup Accelerator Sweden instrument of at least SEK 500 million per year from 2028, and SEK 1 billion from 2032, to increase financing for technology-based startups and scaleups. The instrument will provide capital, reference customers, test environments, expertise, regulation and internationalisation.

Demand for new technology also needs to be stimulated. Vinnova therefore proposes that at least SEK 1 billion per year from 2028 and SEK 2 billion from 2032 go to challenge-driven pre-commercial procurement for the development of groundbreaking solutions to societal challenges.

– With challenge-driven procurement, public and societal needs can be translated into concrete challenges that need to be solved quickly. There are several ongoing European initiatives that Swedish actors can then use to further scale up their solution, says Göran Marklund, Head of Strategic strategic analysis at Vinnova and one of the authors of Roadmaps for Sweden's Technology Leadership.

From ambition to implementation

To ensure that the investments have full effect, Vinnova is proposing measures that strengthen Sweden's ability to prioritize and work together. These include a national technology council, better conditions for strategic EU cooperation, and a national function for regulatory sandboxes.

The proposals have been developed in close dialogue with industry, academia, startups and other actors within research and innovation. Analyses at national and international level, and a survey have also contributed to insights into which obstacles need to be removed and which investments are required for Sweden to take the next step.

– The proposals are rooted in real needs, challenges and opportunities. This makes them relevant, with the potential to provide real benefit and create value, says Göran Marklund.

The proposals in the report

See an overview of the proposals

Read the full report Roadmaps for Strategic Technologies

See a presentation of the proposals