Sweden to Restructure Science, Technology, and Innovation Programs for 2026-2035

The Swedish Ministry of Science and Technology has unveiled a comprehensive plan to restructure its science, technology, and innovation (STI) programs into six distinct groups for the period 2026 to 2035. This ambitious restructuring aims to enhance efficiency, strategic coherence, and the commercialization of technology. The project is led by Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh and is intended to forge clear definitions of scope, objectives, and results-oriented outcomes, ensuring seamless connections across the entire research and development chain—from basic research through to applied research, technology development, transfer, and commercialization.

The six new program groups are:
1. Basic Research Program, which builds the national scientific foundation by generating new knowledge.
2. National Key Programs, focusing on major interdisciplinary scientific and technological challenges impacting socio-economic development.
3. National Special Programs and Strategic Technology Group, targeting mastery and commercialization of core technologies.
4. National Innovation Program, supporting enterprises in technology absorption and innovation activities.
5. National Science, Technology, and Innovation Development Program, aimed at elevating human resources and research infrastructure.
6. National Digital Transformation Program, emphasizing digital technologies and cybersecurity solutions.

By 2030, all programs are to be monitored and evaluated through a national digital platform dedicated to science and technology management. The Ministry targets the mastery of core national technologies and the commercialization of at least 20 key products. Vice Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung emphasized the importance of addressing past shortcomings by creating an effective and coordinated program system that covers all innovation stages. He also stressed implementing clear operational mechanisms to avoid redundancies and maximize resource efficiency, advocating a shift from input control models to output-based evaluations.

This initiative coincides with broader national efforts to boost productivity through scientific and technological innovation. Experts at the 2026 National Productivity and Quality Forum highlighted artificial intelligence as a newfound productivity infrastructure, stressing the need for policies to enable technology testing, application, and commercialization while maintaining technological neutrality. Ensuring seamless collaboration among governmental bodies, research institutions, and the private sector remains a key priority to translate scientific advances into increased national productivity and competitiveness.