SKR: Sweden must dare to be innovative – Altinget

We are a strong research nation, we have a competitive business life, world-class welfare and a long tradition of cooperation between the state, business, academia and public institutions. On that basis, we now need to make new investments. Sweden needs a new innovation strategy.

Innovation that meets real needs

A new, powerful innovation strategy needs to include significant investment in research and development to promote progress in both business and welfare development. This means both investments in institutes, universities and company-based research, and more applied research related to welfare – school, care and social care. Support is also needed for new and growing businesses, as well as investment in training programs for digital skills, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and technology. Our ability to attract highly qualified researchers and research expertise to academia, business and public activity is another key.

Through broad and close collaboration, we can create solutions that really make a difference

For many years, the government’s focus has been mostly on the innovative power of business. It is of course an important focus, but far from sufficient. The same pressure on innovation in welfare is now needed. When the government lays down the research and innovation policy next autumn, both resources and regulatory simplification aimed at welfare activities are needed.

Municipalities and regions also need to invest in the development of products and services in everyday welfare, directly in concrete everyday test environments such as industrial premises, classrooms, operating theatres, in squares and in residential areas. Then the innovations meet real needs and expectations that exist in business life as well as in the residents’ meetings with care, social services, schools, municipal services and the democratic institutions.

Five cornerstones

This way we can pool the power, resources and competence in close cooperation between the state, the regions and the municipalities. Based on a renewed joint vision of Sweden’s future, we need a national innovation strategy built on five cornerstones:

• Sustainable growth: New technology and expanded electrification enable smart, innovative and more resource-efficient working methods that benefit sustainability, the climate and the economy.
• New opportunities: Development of digital technology, more efficient working methods and an attractive work environment are needed to deal with an increasing shortage of labor within municipalities and regions.
• Strengthened competitiveness: With a well-established and sharp innovation strategy, Sweden can strengthen its position as a leading knowledge nation. Sweden is today one of the world’s most research-intensive countries, but is losing positions. It is crucial for continued growth and welfare that we develop and attract research-intensive companies.
• Enhanced security: Excellence in technology but also effective welfare is crucial to ensure our society’s resilience and preparedness to address threats from terrorism, cyber attacks and geopolitical conflicts.
• A renewed partnership: Through broad and close collaboration, we can create solutions that really make a difference. Municipalities and regions have unique opportunities to test and introduce new and innovative working methods based on local needs. Business has the technology and commercialization power. The academy has the research competence. Together with the state, we can face problems and take advantage of opportunities.

Sweden has both the competence and resources to invest in the future. And we cannot afford not to. The challenges are great and so are the opportunities. One of them is in the government’s upcoming research and innovation bill.

Municipalities and regions look forward to a close and innovative collaboration around the innovations of the future. A new, powerful innovation strategy is a good first step on that path.