Ny Teknik Launches 'Framtidens Ingenjörer' to Boost Youth Interest in STEM via TikTok

Ny Teknik has launched a new initiative called 'Framtidens Ingenjörer' to tackle the declining interest among Swedish youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Over the past five years, only 21% of high school students have chosen science or technical programs, according to Sveriges Ingenjörer, creating a growing shortage of engineers at a time when demand for expertise is set to rise due to digitalization, climate efforts, and military enhancements.

As part of this initiative, Ny Teknik introduced 'Ny Teknik Y,' a TikTok channel designed to engage teenagers with content about technology and innovation. The channel is hosted by Theo Pokorny, a video reporter who aims to spark curiosity by making topics like math, physics, space exploration, and technological breakthroughs appealing and accessible to a younger generation. Editor Thomas Peterssohn highlighted the need to reach young people who do not consume traditional media, emphasizing the importance of adapting journalism to modern platforms.

The campaign is supported by major Swedish technology companies, including Saab, Sandvik, Volvo, Tetra Pak, and Microsoft, alongside a council of experts consisting of researchers and influencers. These partnerships help Ny Teknik maintain its regular publication efforts while expanding outreach to inspire more students to pursue engineering careers and fill the estimated gap of 4,500 additional students needed to meet government targets.

Ny Teknik's initiative is part of a broader effort to reverse the downward trend in STEM engagement and address a looming engineer shortage over the next decade. By combining engaging multimedia storytelling with industry collaboration, 'Framtidens Ingenjörer' seeks to create "aha" moments and motivate both current and future engineers to discuss solutions for Sweden's technical workforce needs.