Entreprenörssamtal i Uppsala

The Two As in STEAM

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.

Security in a Changing World

How can we foster hope and confidence in Sweden and our future, despite living in uncertain times marked by major and rapid changes? Essay written for IVA as part of Swedish Futures - a vision for Sweden as a country of technology and innovation by 2035 - by Jens Henriksson, Fellow of IVA, Division of Economics.

Vision Reports

One of the core pillars of the work within Swedish Futures will result in a number of overarching vision reports, in which we will present shared views of megatrends and challenges, but above all formulate shared goals and directions for Sweden in key areas.

Essays

How can a small nation like Sweden assert itself in a future shaped by ultrafast technological development, an accelerating climate crisis, and geopolitical tensions? Meeting the necessary systemic transformations requires the ability to imagine a desirable future — and the strength and courage to act in order to reach it. This collection presents essays by some of Sweden’s leading thinkers on the challenges, opportunities, and choices that may prove decisive for our future prosperity, our democracy, and our security.

Security, Defence and Preparedness

How do we equip Sweden and build capacity for crisis and war? Thematic in-depth study within the framework of the vision project Swedish Futures, which addresses issues linked to dual use, defence innovation, resilient digital infrastructure and supply.

Visualization

One of the core pillars of the work within the vision project Swedish Futures is to develop a data infrastructure that enables the visualization of Sweden's strengths and weaknesses in terms of technology and innovation based on available data sources.

The Academy’s Divisions

IVA’s approximately 1,000 Swedish Fellows are divided into 12 Divisions. The Divisions monitor and work on current issues in their specific fields, not least by organising seminars and other activities.

IVA’s Business Executives Council

The Business Executives Council roots IVA in the business community, making it an essential part of the Academy. The members make a strong contribution to the work of the Academy, and have considerable scope to influence issues in areas such as business, education and research policy.

About IVA

IVA has approximately 1,300 elected Swedish and international Fellows, along with 250 member companies on the Business Executives Council. We bring together leading engineers, economists, researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders in business and the public sector, who contribute generously to IVA’s operations through their intellectual capital and their engagement. IVA’s patron is HM The King.

A Shared Vision of the Future

How can conflicting forces and interests be reconciled - and how can we chart a course toward a rational and secure society? Essay written for IVA as part of Swedish Futures - a vision for Sweden as a country of technology and innovation by 2035 by Professor Mats Benner, Lund University and Professor Sylvia Schwaag Serger, President of IVA.

Interested in the Business Executives Council?

Being a member of the Business Executives Council puts you at the heart of IVA’s network which, in addition to around 250 company representatives at executive level, comprises close to 1,300 Swedish and international Fellows of IVA.

Global Outlook: Asia #3

The robotic future is nearly here, and East Asia stands at the forefront of this shift. East Asian firms innovating in this sector are backed in various ways by governments committed to competing for leadership in robotics.

IVA's President: Some thoughts on the Transatlantic Bond

Some believe the transatlantic link has been broken. I strongly disagree. Between people, the transatlantic bond is both deep and strong. The transatlantic community is socially and emotionally anchored in the lives of many people.

IVA's President: Some thoughts on Government Agencies

As a Swedish citizen with a diverse background from Germany, the US, and China, I would like to highlight a feature of Sweden I admire: our efficient (and at times rather dry) government agencies. Having experienced bureaucracies in several countries, I can say that Swedish public administration stand out.

IVA's President: Some thoughts on a Swedish Minister for Technology

Arguably, a country’s administrative model need not have a large impact on outcomes, but in this critical time of global tech competition, perhaps a designated Committee or Minister for Technology could be of advantage for Sweden.

IVA's President: Some thoughts on Sweden's position in AI

In 2026, the government will present a new AI strategy and has announced investments of SEK 479 million for AI and data. I hope this will help drive a serious upturn in Swedish AI investments in 2026.

IVA’s Gold Medal 2025: Helena Hedblom

Throughout her career, Helena Hedblom has made a remarkable contribution to the mining industry and is today one of the most influential leaders in Swedish business. With a background in materials engineering, she has risen from Head of Research to CEO of Epiroc AB – reshaping Sweden’s mining sector.

IVA’s Gold Medal 2025: Mats Danielsson

With a background from CERN and Berkeley, Mats Danielsson has successfully combined cutting-edge research with technical innovation and entrepreneurship. Today he is a leading researcher and entrepreneur in medical imaging, whose work has had a strong impact both nationally and internationally – in healthcare as well as in industry.

IVA’s Great Gold Medal 2025: Carl-Henric Svanberg

For decades, Carl-Henric Svanberg has stood at the helm of some of Sweden’s – and the world’s – most successful industrial companies. With a rare blend of technical insight, business acumen and strong communication, he has helped shape Assa Abloy, Ericsson, BP and Volvo into global market leaders.