Research and innovation for the future

Global and national societal challenges are changing the prerequisites for sustainable development, growth and prosperity in Sweden and the world. Over ten years, we will have to adapt to fulfil the goals in Agenda 2030. In order for the transition to be successful, we need to change the way in which we live and organise society.

Research and innovation are crucial for providing us with the knowledge we need to find solutions to societal challenges and to implement them. For this reason, Swedish research and innovation need to be strengthened. We propose that government funds equal to at least 1 per cent of GDP are earmarked for research and development, and also that politics fulfil the need for a long-term perspective demanded by research.

Download and read the proposal (in Swedish)

In brief, our proposals are:

Research and innovation are drivers of a sustainable society

The knowledge that will be needed in the future is created through a balance between researcher-initiated research and long-term research and innovation initiatives within thematic areas. Reinforcement is needed at all levels, but also ‘deep demonstrators’, where knowledge and innovation can be converted into practice, to address societal challenges and contribute to business competitiveness.

Invest in world-class infrastructure

In order to fulfil the need for advanced research infrastructure and space infrastructure, we must increase our investments. At the same time, we need to strengthen the engagement of researchers and industry in the development of infrastructure, and review how we fund, organise and manage our considerable national research infrastructure portfolio.

Initiatives for an efficient research system

The Swedish research system needs to be developed, to make it more efficient and provide better opportunities for research of the highest quality. We need a new model for reimbursing indirect costs, and we also need to do more work on gender equality. The allocation of responsibility between funding bodies and higher education institutions in relation to researcher employment needs to become clearer.

Promote European and international collaboration in research and innovation

The major societal challenges are global, and their solutions will be obtained through international collaboration. We need strategies for our participation in the upcoming framework programme Horizon Europe, and we need to strengthen the national support functions for international research and innovation collaboration.