New research collaboration with USA on 6G, quantum technology, AI and other areas

The agreement between the Swedish Research Council, Vinnova, and the US national research funding body NSF will promote Swedish-American research and innovation collaborations in science that will contribute to finding solutions to urgent societal problems. The agreement focuses on research into the next generation networks (including 6G), artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and educational science within the STEM areas (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

“This is an important step for Swedish research and innovation, and I am pleased that we are signing the agreement together with the innovation agency Vinnova. It will provide increased opportunities for collaboration with USA in important development areas, and I look forward to it being filled with activities and calls,” says Katarina Bjelke, Director General of the Swedish Research Council.

Read the government's press release (in Swedish) External link.

Swedish investment in research and innovation in 6G

The Swedish Government is also making a specific investment in research and innovation in 6G, and is giving the Swedish Research Council and Vinnova a total of 390 million SEK to distribute within the area during 2024–2026, of which the Swedish Research Council was awarded 140 million SEK.

“Sweden is at the leading edge in research and development in the 6G area; a technology that will change the communication landscape. With this assignment, we are seeing strengthened opportunities for national coordination in the area. Participation by both academia and business is a strong foundation for the collaboration, and we are also looking forward to bilateral exchanges with a number of countries where we see good collboration opportunities,” says Mattias Marklund, Secretary General of Natural and Engineering Sciences at the Swedish Research Council.