Strategic technologies for Sweden

Technological development is increasingly taking place through the interaction of multiple technologies. AI, energy, biotechnology, quantum technology, advanced materials and digital systems are interconnected and creating new products, services and markets. The report shows that Sweden has strong positions in several areas, including mobile networks, electricity transmission, biological processes and specialized industrial components.

At the same time, global conditions are changing. China has strengthened its position in research and technology development, while value chains for things like AI and batteries have become increasingly international. No nation is self-sufficient. Access to critical resources, expertise and collaborations is therefore becoming a strategic issue for both companies and countries.

The report points out three ways to strengthen Sweden's position:

• develop own solutions for new markets
• take leading roles in the design of future technical systems
• supply specialized materials, components and processes that are difficult to replace

An important conclusion is that future competitiveness is not just about technological cutting-edge. Equally crucial is the ability to build customer relationships, develop business and be involved when new systems and markets are being shaped.

The report also highlights how new business models can create opportunities for Swedish actors. Examples include decentralized energy systems, digitally controlled production close to the customer, biological production processes that can be used in multiple factories, and AI agents that change how customers search, compare, and buy products and services.

The defense and security area is also gaining in importance. Civil-military innovation collaboration can help companies develop and test new solutions more quickly, while strengthening Sweden's ability to meet future security challenges.

By combining analyses of technology, business models, global dependencies and future scenarios, the report provides a knowledge base for strategic decisions about research, innovation and investments.

About the report

The report analyses how emerging technologies are interacting and shaping the markets of the future. By combining strategic analysis, research data, company information and investment evidence, 50 convergence zones are identified where technologies meet and create new opportunities. These are grouped into nine strategic arenas that highlight Sweden's strengths, opportunities and dependencies within the global technology landscape.

The report will be presented on October 13 via live broadcast from Vinnova.

About the government mission

Strategic technologies for Sweden is part of Vinnova's government assignment mission to strengthen Sweden's long-term technology leadership. The mission is linked to the investment in clusters of excellence for strategic technologies.

Read the full mission