Why is Sweden an attractive partner for companies and research organizations in other countries?
Sweden has a culture of being an early adopter. We are curious and quick to embrace new technologies, products, and services. This is an advantage for entrepreneurs.
We have an international outlook and an openness to collaboration. Entrepreneurs in Sweden understand that they need to think globally from the very beginning when starting a company. For businesses in other parts of the world that want to enter the European market, Sweden can serve as a gateway and a platform for expansion into other European markets.
Another strength is the breadth of our industrial and research landscape, which is highly attractive for international partners looking to connect with leading expertise and innovation environments. For such a small country, it is quite remarkable.
Do you have any advice for, for example, a foreign company that wants to initiate collaboration with Swedish startups or other innovation actors?
It is important to do your homework. Be clear about what you are looking for and how you can contribute. It is beneficial to be concrete and to think strategically.
Entering a new country is always a process that requires understanding the local conditions and regulations. For example, it is useful to be aware of the so-called “teacher exemption” in Sweden. This means that researchers at Swedish universities own the rights to their research results and inventions themselves, rather than those rights automatically belonging to the university. This differs from the system in most other countries.
Another piece of advice is to communicate in a factual and straightforward manner. Swedes can sometimes be skeptical of the more aggressive sales techniques often associated with American business culture, where there is a tendency to oversell.
How can organizations in other countries go about finding the right partners in the Swedish innovation system?
It depends somewhat on a company's level of maturity, but connecting with actors within the Swedish innovation system and seeking their support is valuable. For example, a scaleup company can contact the Swedish embassy or Business Sweden.
Some large Swedish companies also employ innovation scouts whose role is to monitor emerging technologies and identify promising innovations. Most countries have personnel at their embassies in Stockholm who can also help establish contacts with the right networks. This could include relevant organizations among the members of Swedish Incubators & Science Parks (SISP).
Which Swedish areas of strength generate the greatest international interest?
Sweden has a strong reputation for being at the forefront of green energy, sustainability transitions, and electrification. We are also highly advanced in life sciences and biotechnology. Artificial intelligence, software, and digital technologies are other areas of strength, as are advanced manufacturing, automation, and advanced materials. This is confirmed by the bilateral innovation agreements that Sweden has established with several countries.