Industrial Research Committee (IRC)

The Industrial Research Committee (IRC) is a unique forum with 15 elected members. All of the members are actively involved in research and development.

Each individual member represents a unique subject field within the group and together the members form an interdisciplinary assembly that largely covers all of the areas that are considered of strategic importance for the future of Swedish industry.

The Industrial Research Committee exists to stimulate new ideas among its members on how research and development can and should be conducted. The main vehicle for knowledge transfer is the extensive programme of field trips that IRC arranges to R&D intensive companies around the country.

These trips are often to IRC member companies and they always stimulate lively and constructive discussion. IRC members may also be asked to participate in reference groups for specific projects.

The Industrial Research Committee also discusses other important prerequisites for long-term industrial competitiveness, such as education and research at universities, as well as Swedish R&D policy.

The members serve a term of three years on the Committee. On average the members can count on spending five days a year on field trips and an additional five days on IRC trips to other countries. The cost of travel to and from the places visited, other arrangements and the overseas trips are expected to be covered by the Committee member’s employer. The level of participation of the members in IRC activities is remarkably high.

The IRC also arranges a symposium every year where invited speakers provide insight into one or more aspects of R&D activity.

In summary, the Industrial Research Committee is a highly informal forum where there are many opportunities for informative and pleasant interaction. IRC was founded in 1970 and there are hundreds of former members making up the IRC Alumni. Every year IVA arranges an IRC Alumni dinner which provides an opportunity to cultivate both old and new contacts.

M. Sc Eva Wigren Chairman of the Industrial Research Committee, IFG, 2011-2013
Secretary, Ingrid Jansson, IVA.