Research and Innovation Foresight

The Swedish Government plans to present a research and innovation bill in autumn 2008. Over the past few years a number of projects and studies have examined the Swedish research and innovation system. Many challenges still exist, however.

The goal for the Research and Innovation Foresight project is to contribute proposals on how an internationally competitive research and innovation system can be developed and to demonstrate that Government investment in research leads to increased growth and is an important part of the country’s infrastructure. The project will present the argument that research is a vital tool in solving society’s problems of today and tomorrow and that it will help generate growth in Sweden through competitive enterprises and industries.

The Research and Innovation Foresight project will be a prelude to the upcoming research and innovation bill. The studies and projects conducted in recent years in Sweden and other countries will be used as a foundation for this project. The project will give today’s players in the innovation system the opportunity to express their views on issues we will face in the future. The results will be in the form of a “roadmap” showing how the Swedish research and innovation system can be more flexible and how we can be better prepared for the changing conditions brought about by a globalised world and increasing international competition.  

Unlike previous foresight projects, Research and Innovation Foresight will be implemented in a shorter space of time, which requires a more structured process. Objectives and possible scenarios will thus form a framework for the work of the committees. Three committees will be formed, each focusing on research from a different perspective: academic, societal themes and the needs of industry. In addition, a number of hearings and expert meetings will be organized to gain a deeper understanding of the different areas in focus.