Focus Areas

IVA drives factual, science-based debate in several areas that are important for society. Below you can see what IVA has to say in these areas, in the form of reports from project activities, consultation responses, statements from the President and press releases.

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.

Fellows of IVA

The consequences of AI: fear in the digital age

China's Industrial and Technological Rise – Perspectives, Lessons and Challenges

China’s industrial rise has triggered significant global shifts, creating both challenges and opportunities for Swedish companies. This seminar will provide deeper insight into why Chinese industry has become so dominant — and what this means for Swedish businesses.

Public Trust in Science – Safeguarding Academic Freedom and Objectivity

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.

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 Self-confident China

When the world feels overwhelming, I find valuable insights in history – most recently from the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and his “Meditations.”  Can Stoicism help us understand what is happening, why it is happening, and guide us forward? Perhaps.

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.

IVAs President - Some thoughts on Surviving Chaos

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.

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 100 List 2024: Sweden’s Most Promising Research Projects

A simple hair test for early cancer detection, a healthy sugar substitute, and a rapid test for tuberculosis. These are some of the research projects selected for this year’s 100 List, focusing on innovation through interdisciplinary research, compiled by IVA. All research projects are considered to have great potential to benefit society.

Anne L'Huillier, Gerteric Lindquist, Bo Normark and Xiaodong Zou are awarded IVA's Gold Medals 2024

The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) awards this year's gold medals to Anne L'Huillier, Gerteric Lindquist, Bo Normark and Xiaodong Zou. They receive the award for their outstanding contributions to technology, economics, business and society. IVA's Gold Medal has been awarded since 1921.

She is set to transform the world’s oldest academy of engineering sciences

Today, Newspaper Dagens Industri publishes an interview with IVA's incoming CEO, Sylvia Schwaag Serger. Here you can read an excerpt from the interview about driving forces, choices and visions.

Embedl awarded for groundbreaking AI technology

Embedl wins IVA's Smart Industry 2024 Business Competition. The company develops innovative software tools and technologies that optimize machine learning models, with a focus on making AI models more efficient and energy-efficient.

IVA Gold Medal 2024: Xiaodong Zou

Xiaodong Zou is a chemist who fell in love with electron microscopes and who has succeeded in developing completely new methods for creating 3D images of atomic structures in porous materials.

IVA's Great Gold Medal 2024: Anne L'Huillier

Swedish-French Anne L'Huillier is the physicist and Nobel Prize winner who, against all odds, has succeeded in revolutionizing the possibilities of seeing into the world of atoms and molecules.