Research and development for an innovative business sector

Research is a growth factor of strategic importance to business and industry. For favourable development, it is important for collaboration between universities, colleges, research institutes and the business sector to function smoothly. The Swedish system of research finance was reorganised during autumn 2000, to bring about concerted R&D efforts.

The Government's policy regarding R&D covers two policy areas: business and industry on the one hand, and research on the other. The Ministry of Industry, Employment and Communications and the Ministry of Education therefore co-operate closely concerning R&D.

Aim of this policy area

The Government's aim is to boost knowledge and skills in the business sector. This is necessary in order to stimulate innovation, growth and modernisation.

Priority issues

The Government intends to pursue a research and development policy oriented towards business and industry. The following research fields enjoy priority:

• Technical R&D, in which the strategic areas of IT, biotechnology and materials technology have a major bearing on development and modernisation of the business sector. Other key fields are engineering and medical technology.
• Space research affords scope for practical applications, such as global environmental monitoring, weather forecasting and long-distance telecommunications. The use of space requires extensive technological development, often conducted in international co-operation.
• Energy research in which large-scale research inputs are under way to permit a change-over to a sustainable energy system.
• Transport and communication research, in which efficient systems of transport and communication are highly significant in economic terms.
• Research on employment and the workplace helps to modernise the world of work. Knowledge of the human-technology interface and how work should be organised is bringing about a humane and efficient business sector.
• Research on testing and measurement techniques is required to permit introduction of new techniques, product development and quality assurance.