Research and Innovation background
Sweden’s research and innovation plan is outlined across several key strategy documents:
Research and Innovation Bill: A comprehensive framework outlining the government’s objectives for R&I from 2021 to 2025, aiming to increase investments in research enhance collaboration between sectors, and support societal challenges, including those in transport.
National Reform Programme 2022: A document produced annually that supports the innovation strategy by describing the objectives established to improve competitiveness and activities needed to achieve these objectives.
National Transport Plan 2026-2037: Lays out the transport strategy in Sweden, with a focus on national cross-border transport. It includes plans for both passenger and freight infrastructure investments with the ultimate goal of providing a fossil fuel-free, integrated transport system.
Vision Zero: A road safety policy aiming for zero fatalities and series injuries in traffic. It promotes sustainable transport solutions and emphasises infrastructure improvements and behavioural changes to enhance road safety.
Swedish Maritime Strategy: Focuses on promoting sustainable shipping and maritime transport, aiming to reduce emissions, improve safety, and support the development of innovative maritime technologies.
(Last updated 04/11/2024)
Institutional framework of transport research
Sweden’s R&I landscape involves various ministries, agencies and stakeholders dedicated to promoting research and innovation.
Main organisations include:
- Ministry of Education and Research and Ministry of Climate and Enterprise: Together, these ministries oversee national policies related to education, research, and innovation, and are responsible for most funding streams. The Division of Research Policy within the Ministry of Education and Research is responsible for general research policy issues and research cooperation in the EU and internationally. The Ministry of Climate and Innovation is responsible for matters relating to state-owned enterprises, urban development, enterprise and industrial policy, infrastructure. The Parliament and ministries are advised by the Research Policy Council (in the Ministry of Education and Research) and the Innovation Policy Council (in the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation).
- Swedish Energy Agency: Supports research and development projects focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy, playing a significant role in transport-related initiatives, particularly for electric and hydrogen vehicles.
- FORTE (Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare): Funds research related to working life and social issues, including studies that may intersect with transport policies and their societal impacts.
- Swedish National Space Board: Oversees national space activities and funds research related to space technology which can intersect with innovations in transport systems, particularly in satellite-based navigation and communication.
- Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet): Funds and supports basic research across disciplines, including transport-related research.
- Swedish Transport Administration and the Swedish Transport Agency: These agencies are responsible for implementing transport policy.
- Research and Innovation in the Transport Sector (RISE): RISE, a state-owned research institute, conducts applied research and innovation projects in various fields, including transport, and often collaborates with industry stakeholders to advance sustainable transport solutions.
(Last updated 04/11/2024)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Funding for R&D is allocated in the national budget by the Swedish Government. Around half of these funds go directly to higher education institutions and the rest is allocated to researchers by government research funding bodies and other public authorities.
The two main instruments for financing research in Sweden are through research grants and funding for research and development infrastructure. The largest government research funding body is the Swedish Research Council, funded by the Ministry of Education and Research.
In order to achieve common goals in the innovation system, Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) coordinates research institutes through work on structural, performance and funding issues.
Current funding sources and strategies include:
- Strategic Vehicle Research and Innovation (FFI) Programme: A national partnership programme run jointly by the Swedish State and the Swedish automotive industry that funds research, innovation and development with an emphasis on climate, the environment and safety.
- Swedish Energy Agency: Funds research and development projects aimed at promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in transport, including electric and hydrogen vehicles.
- Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet): Funds and supports basic research across disciplines, including transport-related research.
- VINNOVA: Sweden’s innovation agency that funds research and innovation projects across various sectors, including transport, focusing on sustainable solutions and technological advancements.
(Last updated 04/11/2024)