IVA’s memorial tributes

Each year the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) produces a booklet commemorating a person whose scientific, engineering, economic or industrial achievements were of significant benefit to the society of his or her day.

Global Outlook: Asia #5

A university student in China today might find himself or herself taking a “golden course” that blends practical and academic training. The student earns degree credit while gaining direct exposure to industry. The course might even be sponsored by Alibaba, the online retail giant, or another large firm.

Europe's role in the "Age of Electricity"

Fresh figures show that global electricity demand is accelerating, and that the world is standing on the threshold of "the age of electricity". This presents Europe with an opportunity to reclaim its leadership in the green transition and to secure its future — a chance we cannot afford to miss. That was the message from Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), during a fully booked seminar at IVA.

IVA's President: Some thoughts on Lifelong Learning

The need for continuous upskilling and reskilling of professionals – not least engineers – is growing rapidly, driven by technological transformation as well as major societal challenges such as climate change and a deteriorating security environment.

IVA's President: Some thoughts on Technological Strength

If there is one thing that characterizes our time, it is how crucial technological strength has become to the success and prosperity, security, and influence of a country or region. Historically, it was natural resources or raw materials, but today almost everything revolves around technology.

IVA's President: Some thoughts on the times we’re in

It is never easy to analyze the present or to put events into context and perspective. But New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman recently proffered the idea that we are now living in the “Polycene” era – a time in which the world can no longer be understood in binary terms, but is shaped by many closely interlinked forces.

IVA's President: Some thoughts on Uncertainty

The World Uncertainty Index (WUI) has remained steady at an average of 30,000 over the past 17 years, with a temporary peak of 50,000 during the pandemic years. The latest index from October shows the remarkable figure of 122,000. The responsibility to take ownership of our own future is particularly important in times of great uncertainty.

“Lessons of history are almost completely useless!”

Joel Mokyr received the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel in Stockholm on Wednesday – but visited IVA beforehand. Watch the film where Joel Mokyr and IVA’s President Sylvia Schwaag Serger, both professors of economic history, meet for a conversation about technology and growth.

Sweden can help shape a future of sustainable prosperity

Change is often unsettling. In these turbulent times, rocked by geopolitical tensions, overlapping crises, accelerating climate change and transformative technological advances, one pressing question recurs: Is there hope?

Moore’s Law – the key to a sustainable Sweden?

A vision of art, design and the humanities as the Nordic region’s next competitive advantage. Essay written for IVA as part of Swedish Futures - a vision for Sweden as a country of technology and innovation by 2035 - by IVA Fellows Martin Nilsson Jacobi and Anna Valtonen.

Meet IVA's President

Gain insights from Professor Sylvia Schwaag Serger’s perspectives on current issues shaping our future, along with the President’s contributions to recent publications and other engagements.

Steering Committee and Funding Providers

IVA´s project “Swedish Futures” aims to develop an overarching vision for Sweden as a world-leading country of technology and innovation by 2035, with a focus on competitiveness, sustainability, and security. The project is made possible thanks to the commitment and financial support of a large number of actors.

Fellows of IVA

The Business Executives Council’s networks

The Business Executives Council’s networks are active forums where people in leading positions from different parts of the business community have the opportunity to share experience, knowledge and ideas within common areas of interest.

Members of the Business Executives Council

IVA’s Business Executives Council comprises around 250 companies and organisations from the industrial and service sectors. Both private and public enterprises participate. Here you will find a listing of all the current member companies, in alphabetical order.

Global Outlook: Asia #4

In subverting the choice between accommodating the global AI industry and building AI independence, South Korea offers examples of creative possibilities in technology policy.

IVA's President: Some thoughts on the EU's Approach to China

China’s new Five-Year Plan was naturally the focus of this year’s China Development Forum (CDF), which took place last week in Beijing. And there is no hyperbole in observing that business leaders and representatives of international organizations were welcomed by a prime minister brimming with confidence.

2026 Hans Werthén Scholars

Eight young researchers and students resident in Sweden have been awarded this year's scholarships from the Hans Werthén Fund for study and research abroad. The scholarships are awarded with the aim of giving young academics the opportunity to develop in other countries and to return with new knowledge and experience that can benefit Sweden.

IVA's President: Some thoughts on Strategic Indispensability

What constitutes the EU's strategic capital and how can we leverage this in our new world? You don't have to be the biggest and strongest in the world to be influential or strategically relevant. It is enough to be strategic and smart.

IVA's President: The Government as the Lead Customer

Public procurement accounts for nearly one-fifth of Sweden’s economy, amounting to approximately 1,200 billion Swedish kronor per year. EU-wide, the corresponding share is 14 percent. Given its scale and the nature of the purchases, public procurement could serve as a powerful driver of technological development, innovation, and, consequently, growth in Sweden and Europe.