Report: Sweden's position in 48 strategically important technologies
In the report "Sweden’s Competitiveness and Investment Priorities" IVA presents a new, data-driven analysis that maps Sweden's position in 48 strategically important technologies – crucial to our future prosperity, economic resilience, and national security.
The analysis shows that we are well ahead in areas such as space technology and autonomous vehicles. At the same time, it points to challenges in other areas, such as AI and robotics. To secure our position, we need a more strategic approach for Sweden, and IVA’s new analysis can contribute to this.
Sweden has strength in research, but we find it more difficult to transfer this into new technological solutions and innovations.
"To maintain our competitiveness, we need to invest more strategically, make better use of our potential, and break the downtrend in Sweden’s traditional areas of strength," says Sylvia Schwaag Serger, President of IVA.
One year ago, the Draghi report concluded that the EU is lagging behind the US and China in productivity and innovation. IVA's analysis, mapping Sweden's position in 48 strategically important technologies, reveal a mixed picture: Sweden demonstrates global leadership in areas such as space technology, autonomous vehicles, batteries, and propulsion technology, but is losing ground in life sciences, robotics, and smart grids.
Sweden has untapped potential
The report shows that Sweden has untapped potential in strong scientific areas such as MedTech, synthetic biology, semiconductors, and VR/AR technologies. The analysis confirms that we are scientifically strong in these areas, but that they are not being sufficiently exploited to strengthen technological leadership.
Regionally, areas around Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Lund are strong innovation hubs. The report points to opportunities for both low-risk investments and bold “moonshot” initiatives in future areas such as quantum technology, hydrogen, and synthetic biology.
IVA's recommendations:
- Invest in technologies that can be used in many sectors, especially AI.
- Strengthen the ability of leading research to contribute more to Sweden's growth and competitiveness.
- Break the downtrend in areas that are important to Sweden through investments, for example in robotics and smart grids.
- Invest in and promote areas of strength by stimulating regional specialization.
About the report
The report maps Sweden's position in 48 strategically important technologies – crucial to our future prosperity, economic resilience, and national security.
The analysis was developed by the European think tank CEPS, which contributed similar data to Mario Draghi's report on the competitiveness of the EU. Sweden is the first EU member state to conduct an in-depth technology analysis following the Draghi report. The report is based on data from publications, patents, and venture capital investments between 2010 and 2025.
With this report, IVA aims to help Sweden take a leading role in the global technology landscape. We need strategic investments and clear priorities now to ensure Sweden's future competitiveness.
The report constitutes an important starting point for IVA’s initiative “Swedish Futures”, that aims for Sweden to be a world leading technology and innovation country by 2035.
Learn more about IVA's visionary project Swedish Futures
