Objectives and budget of Swedish education and research policy
Objectives
The objective of education policy
The objective is for Sweden to be a leading knowledge nation characterised by high quality education and lifelong learning for growth and justice.
This has been approved by the Riksdag (Govt. Bill 2000/01:1, Committee Report 2000/01:UbU1, Parliamentary Communication 2000/01:99).
The objective of research policy
The objective of research policy is that Sweden should be a leading research nation, where research of a high scientific standard is conducted.
This has been approved by the Riksdag (Govt. Bill 2000/01:1, Committee Report 2000/01:UbU1, Parliamentary Communication 2000/01:99 and Committee Report 2000/01:KrU1, Parliamentary Communication 2000/01:59).
Investments in research are investments in our future well-being. The Government's goal is for central government appropriations to research to increase to an equivalent of 1 per cent of GDP during its term of office.
The 2008 Budget Bill
Education policy
Approximately SEK 66 671 million has been allocated to the education policy area for 2008, of which SEK 20 297 million applies to financial support to students.
The policy area covers the following:
- Education of children and young people - preschool, school and out-of-school care
- Adult learning
- The higher education system
- The study support system
Expenditure areas
The central government budget is divided into 27 expenditure areas. Education policy includes expenditure areas 15: Financial support for students, 16: Education and academic research and part of expenditure area 17: Culture, the media, religious communities and leisure activities.
Research policy
About SEK 7 538 million has been allocated to the research policy area for 2008.
The policy area includes appropriations for national research, for research infrastructure in the form of libraries, archives and data networks, ethical review and national contacts and development activities related to EU research collaboration.
Expenditure areas
The central government budget is divided into 27 expenditure areas. Research policy includes part of expenditure areas 9: Health care, medical care and social services, 16: Education and academic research, 17: Culture, the media, religious communities and leisure activities, 20: General environmental protection and nature conservation, 23: Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and related industries, and 24: Industry and trade.
