Sweden has a long tradition of international collaboration in research and innovation. A prime example is the strategic partnership with Brazil, now entering its sixteenth year.
The partnership demonstrates how countries can combine industrial strength, academic excellence and public sector support to drive innovation across borders.
How Sweden collaborates internationally
Swedish innovation often follows what is known as the "triple helix" model: structured collaboration between universities, companies and government agencies. This approach brings together cutting-edge research, commercial expertise and public funding to move ideas from concept to market. For international partners, this means access to a well-coordinated ecosystem where different actors work towards shared goals.
New funding opportunity: mining, bioeconomy and sustainable cities
Companies and organisations looking to collaborate with Swedish partners now have a concrete opportunity. Through the Eureka network, Sweden and Brazil are jointly funding R&D projects in three areas: sustainable mining, bioeconomy and sustainable urban development. Projects should aim to develop marketable products, services or processes. Both small and large companies can apply, as can research institutes and universities.
Vinnova, Sweden's innovation agency, is one of the funding bodies supporting this call. Read more and apply here
Cooperation with Brazil: Sustainable mining, bioeconomy, urban development | Vinnova
The cooperation in aeronautics is a natural continuation of Brazil's investment in JAS39 Gripen from 2014.
A partnership built on results
Since 2009, Sweden and Brazil have collaborated in different areas such as aerospace, sustainable mining, smart cities, AI, bioeconomy and digital health. Several projects have led to successful commercial innovations. The aerospace partnership, in particular, has become a model for the other focus areas – combining long-term commitment with tangible outcomes such as job creation, knowledge exchange and technology transfer.
– Sweden and Brazil are proof that long-term thinking and mutual trust create real innovation, says Alma Jacobson, Programme Manager at Vinnova.
Want to collaborate with Sweden´s aerospace industry?
For companies and organisations seeking international R&D collaboration, this established relationship offers a strong foundation and clear pathways into both the Swedish and Brazilian innovation ecosystems.
Learn more about Sweden's aerospace research programmes