Declining STEM Interest Among Gävleborg Students Threatens Regional Growth

December 16, 2025 1:06pm

Only 16% of Gävleborg's high schoolers pursue STEM subjects, raising concerns for the region's future competitiveness amid national goals to advance technology education by 2035.

Key details

• Only 16% of Gävleborg high school students choose science or technology subjects.
• Johan Kreicbergs of Sveriges Ingenjörer warns this threatens regional growth and competitiveness.
• Access to engineering competence is crucial for Gävleborg's future development.
• Sweden aims for major technological advancements by 2035, emphasizing technology and science education.

Only 16 percent of high school students in Gävleborg are choosing science and technology subjects, a figure far below what is needed to support the region's future competitiveness and economic prosperity. Johan Kreicbergs, societal policy chief at Sveriges Ingenjörer, warns that this trend endangers Gävleborg's access to crucial engineering competence, which is vital for regional development and growth. This situation mirrors broader challenges faced across Sweden, where the government has set an ambitious target to drive major technological advancements by 2035 through strengthening education in technology and science fields. Chalmers University of Technology features prominently as an institution supporting these national efforts. The low uptake of STEM subjects in Gävleborg underscores a critical gap between educational outcomes and the country's technological ambitions, with local experts urging a shift to ensure a skilled workforce capable of sustaining innovation and economic progress in the region.

This article was translated and synthesized from Swedish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.