Statistics on Swedish life science companies 2026 

In 2024, the sector's exports of goods amounted to SEK 202 billion, which corresponds to almost 11 per cent of Sweden's total exports of goods.

The report also shows that life science is one of Sweden's most knowledge-intensive and internationally competitive business areas, with strong research links, a high level of education and a significant share of international competence.

A basis for strategic decisions

The annual statistics provide an overall picture of developments in Swedish life science and are an important basis for the follow-up of the national life science strategy. The report is based on official statistics and industry data that highlight developments in business, employment, research, export and skills supply.

The data is used by companies, government agencies, regions and others actors to track developments, identify opportunities and challenges, and make strategic decisions.

The statistics are based on a business population that was produced in early 2026 and includes companies that were active until December 2025. Data from Statistics Sweden are available until 2024, while other data sources contain data until 2025. All analyses are based on Vinnova's corporate population.

Turnover, companies and employment increase

Enterprises in life science had net sales of approximately SEK 568 billion in 2024, an increase of SEK 346 billion since 2014. The strong growth shows the importance of the sector for the Swedish economy. The large life science companies accounted for the largest increase in absolute terms. Life science companies' funding to Sweden's GDP was 2.4 per cent in 2024.

A significant part of Swedish exports

In 2024, life science companies' exports of goods amounted to SEK 202 billion. Exports have increased steadily since 2014 and today represent close to 11 per cent of Sweden's total exports of goods. The strong export performance shows the importance of the sector for the Swedish economy and its role as an important part of Sweden's exports.

More companies and employees

The Swedish life science sector continues to grow. In 2024, there were 3 576 life science companies in Sweden with a total of 54 999 employees. The number of companies has increased in all size classes since 2009, while employment has grown steadily. The development shows a long-term strong growth in Swedish life science.

High level of education, gender balance and international competence

• Life science is one of Sweden's most knowledge-intensive business areas and has a strong connection to research and higher education. About 40 percent of Sweden's doctoral students are in life science-related research areas, which underlines the area's importance for Swedish research and innovation.
• The gender distribution among employees in life science companies is almost even, with a small overweight of women.
• In 2024, almost one in four employees was born abroad, and the number of foreign-born employees has increased steadily in recent years.

What is required for the life science sector to continue to develop?

The report shows that access to skills, research, capital and investments is crucial for the life science sector's continued development.

The ability to attract skilled workers from Sweden and other countries, together with good conditions for research, innovation and business, strengthens Sweden's long-term competitiveness as a life science nation.

Attachments Swedish life science companies 2026

Here you will find all 8 appendices for the report Statistics on Swedish life science companies 2026.

Attachment 1. Statistics on Swedish life science enterprises 2026

Attachment 2. Statistics on Swedish life science enterprises 2026

Attachment 3. Statistics on Swedish life science enterprises 2026

Attachment 4. Statistics on Swedish life science enterprises 2026

Attachment 5. Statistics on Swedish life science enterprises 2026

Attachment 6. Statistics on Swedish life science enterprises 2026

Attachment 7. Statistics on Swedish life science enterprises 2026

Attachment 8. Statistics on Swedish life science companies 2026

Please note that you can request further information about the companies in the population or the data points behind the graphs in the report by contacting vinnova@vinnova.se