Many important inventions originate in Sweden, and the pace of innovation shows no sign of slowing down. Between 2009 and 2012, the Swedish government will invest more than ever before in research and bright ideas.
Since 1974, the Swedish Space Corporation has launched 550 scientific balloons. Photo: Mette Fjellborg/Swedish Space Corporation
The pacemaker, the ball bearing, the safety match, the adjustable wrench, the zipper and the Tetra Pak carton are all Swedish inventions — and products of a long history of science and research.
Sweden is today in the forefront of efforts to make Europe “the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010.” In a bid to give Sweden more of a competitive edge, the Swedish government has earmarked sek 5 billion (USD 616 million) for research and innovation during 2009–2012 — more than double what has been allocated previously.
In line with the Lisbon objective, EU member states are expected to allocate three percent of gross national product to research and development (two percent from the private sector and one percent from the public sector). The SEK 5 billion invested by the Swedish government means this has already been achieved.
Within the research budget framework, the Swedish government has chosen to make strategic investments in the following fields:
• Medicine — Molecular biology, stem cell research and regenerative medicine, diabetes, neuroscience, epidemiology, cancer, psychiatry, and care sciences.
• Technology — Nanoscience and nano¬technology, e-science, materials science, production engineering, IT and mobile communication, transport research, aerospace, and space science.
• Climate — Energy, natural resources, climate models, and the marine environment.
• Other areas — Security and contingency planning, conditions for growth, and politically important geographical regions.
First Swede in space: astronaut Christer Fuglesang became a national hero in December 2006. Photo: NASA
Growth industry
Sweden is particularly strong in biotechnology. Pharmaceuticals are one of its main exports and Swedish medical innovations include the asthma medicines Bricanyl and Pulmicort; the growth hormone Genotropin; and the stomach ulcer drug Losec, one of the world’s best-selling drugs.
Research is not confined to giants such as AstraZeneca and Pharmacia/Pfizer; many small biotechnology companies conduct their own research. One of the main areas of interest is health. Probiotic dairy products and wholemeal cereals are a rapidly growing market, as are medical devices such as imaging equipment, orthopedic implants, laboratory medicine, dialysis equipment, heart-lung machines and ECG apparatus.
Micro-electronics is another growth market. Sweden is in the forefront of research in silicon-based components, high-speed electronics, organic electronics, and photonics and systems design.
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The pacemaker is a well-known lifesaving Swedish invention. Photo: St.Jude Medical AB/Image Bank Sweden |
Ranked No.1 for innovation
The European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) analyzes the innovation performance of EU member states as well as Japan, the US and other countries. Sweden topped the index in 2008, with research and development in high-tech multinationals such as Ericsson, ABB, AstraZeneca, Saab, Scania and Volvo offering the best conditions for innovation.
Despite Sweden’s capacity for generating innovative ideas the EIS noted that getting production moving on a par with R&D remained a challenge.
The Vinnova program VINNMER helps female postgraduates qualify as researchers after getting their PhDs. Photo: Hans Bjurling/Image Bank Sweden
Long-term networking
There is a large network of organizations and companies, both public and private, working with academia in Sweden. They are aiming to develop new products, services and processes that will make a long-term contribution to sustainable growth.
To name just a few:
The Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems (Vinnova) focuses on innovations linked to research and development, in particular information and communications technology (ICT), biotechnology, working life, product realization, materials and transportation.
The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Nutek) is a government body whose remit includes company financing, regional business development, advisory services and establishing links between research and industry.
Innovationsbron helps translate the ideas of researchers, inventors and entrepreneurs into business opportunities. Support is provided at an early stage of development before venture capitalists get involved.
The Knowledge Foundation (KK-stiftelsen) aims to stimulate competitiveness by creating the conditions for innovation and creativity and strengthening the links between academia and industry.
The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) is an independent organization that supports research in natural science, engineering and medicine.
Crossing borders
Swedish researchers are increasingly engaged in interdisciplinary projects. For the Energy Systems Program the Swedish Energy Agency and research teams at Linköping University, Uppsala University, Chalmers University of Technology and KTH, Royal Institute of Technology are studying the long-term development of sustainable and resource-efficient energy systems.
Economists and behavioral scientists at Stockholm University’s interdisciplinary center are looking at how to turn knowledge about climate change into action, for example the best way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Toshihide Maskawa, Nobel laureate in physics, 2008, receives his medal from King Carl XVI Gustaf at the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm Concert Hall. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/Scanpix
NOBEL — FIRST AMONG PRIZES
The Nobel Prizes were a bequest from Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, to reward those who “have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind.” The prizes have been awarded every year since 1901 (with a few exceptions such as the Second World War) for achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace.
www.nobelprize.org
Useful links
www.vetenskapsradet.se — Swedish Research Council
www.vinnova.se — Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems
www.forskning.se — Swedish research nationwide
www.kks.se — Knowledge Foundation
www.stratresearch.se — Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research
www.iva.se — Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences
www.stockholminnovation.com — Stockholm Innovation & Growth
www.kth.se — KTH, Royal Institute of Technology
www.svensktnaringsliv.se — Confederation of Swedish Enterprise
www.innovation-technology.se — Innovation & Technology Award
www.formas.se — The Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning
www.innovationscentrum.se — Almi Innovation
www.hogskoleverket.se — Swedish National Agency for Higher Education
www.uppfinnare.se — Swedish Inventors’ Association
www.ssc.se — Swedish Space Corporation
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