IVA's President: Some thoughts on Germany

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: 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.

Some thoughts on Economic Growth in Europe, or the Lack of It

The John and Margaretha Aspegren Scholarship

In 2004, the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) established the John and Margaretha Aspegren Memorial Foundation to promote a better understanding between engineering sciences and the humanities.

Smart Industry competition

The Smart Industry Business Competition recognises and rewards companies that take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalisation in a smart and innovative way with clear results. The aim is to stimulate the digital and sustainable transformation of SMEs by highlighting best practice. The business competition has been held annually by IVA since 2016.

Hans Werthén Foundation

Each year, the Hans Werthén Foundation awards a number of scholarships for one year of scientific work at the postdoctoral or doctoral level, MBA or LL.M. studies in a qualified international environment. Next application period: January 8-March 7, 2027.

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.

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

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

Report: Advanced manufacturing

Every lorry that rolls out of Gothenburg. Every fighter aircraft that takes off from Linköping. Every industrial robot assembled in Västerås. Advanced manufacturing is today one of Sweden’s most important assets – a world-class sector that employs hundreds of thousands of people and accounts for a significant share of Sweden’s export revenues. But international competition is intensifying. A new report from Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences shows what Sweden needs to do to maintain its lead in an increasingly competitive world.

What Sweden Can Learn from Ukraine’s Drone Industry

Sweden needs to reform its public procurement regulations and innovation system to better foster innovation and address future crises, according to a new study produced on behalf of IVA. The review examines how Ukraine has rapidly developed a dynamic drone industry in the midst of ongoing war.

Resource Effectiveness and the Circular Economy

This project focused on resource effectiveness and the circular economy, crucial matters for a future with greater global prosperity. A number of initiatives and projects around the country are examining how resource efficiency and circularity can be introduced in various sectors. But there is no unifying arena where industries and perspectives can meet. A platform is needed for resource efficiency and a circular society where industry, research and policy-makers can work together.

What can Sweden learn from California's innovation system?

California is one of the world's leading regions for innovation and entrepreneurship and has contributed to many of the world's most successful technology companies in recent decades. What makes California's innovation system successful, and how can Sweden learn from their innovation system?

IVA's Annual Meeting 2023

Projects and programmes

IVA believes in humanity’s capacity to contribute positively to society through the engineering and economic sciences. We run a number of projects and programmes, both short and long-term, with the ambition of promoting social development through knowledge and common sense.

Chester Carlson Research Award

The Chester Carlson Award is managed by IVA’s Foundation for Research in Information Science and is awarded to people, institutions or organisations for innovative research or development work in the field of information science.