Initiative for Defence Innovation Launched by the Government

The purpose of this and upcoming meetings during the autumn is to identify what needs to be developed to further strengthen the defence industry in Sweden. Examples of issues that will be raised within the defence innovation initiative include procurement, NATO, collaboration factors, test beds, and the EU's financing instruments. The results of the initiative will later serve as a basis for concrete political measures, according to a press release from the Ministry of Defence on 25 May.

– New technology developed by civilian companies for civilian use is also used by the defence industry in military applications and vice versa. Therefore, cooperation between the traditional defence industry and the civilian business sector needs to increase to maintain Sweden's position as one of the world-leading nations in innovation and research in the defence field. At the same time, government instruments such as procurement also need to be developed to promote innovation, says Minister of Defence Pål Jonson in a press release from the Ministry of Defence.

- We welcome this initiative, as the opportunity to strengthen security and defence capability in the research and development area has been long sought after and, given the security policy developments, is necessary to eventually strengthen competitiveness and innovation power. Cooperation between the state and the defence industry needs to deepen further, which is why this type of initiative where companies have the opportunity to sit down with authorities and government representatives in an organised manner is extremely valuable. It is especially important that smaller companies acting as subcontractors to larger system houses also have the opportunity to discuss their needs, challenges, and solutions. Through cooperation with companies, it becomes easier for government representatives to identify factors that constitute limitations and opportunities to increase efficiency and innovation power within the defence industry, says Evelina Hedskog, Head of Business Unit Sweden MilDef in a comment to Defence Sector News.

- Innovation exists in companies across the country, but it needs to be easier and faster to bring innovations to our soldiers and sailors. Therefore, we need new ways of working. The government's initiative is very welcome here, as the initiative focuses on the need for better dialogue, better coordination, and better utilisation of the resources Sweden has in the area, states Robert Limmergård, Secretary General at the Security and Defence Companies Association (SOFF).

- We at SME-d are positively inclined towards the Minister of Defence's initiative to promote faster and more effective defence innovation. We believe that a strong defence industry is of great importance for Sweden, especially considering today's global challenges. During our meeting on 10 May 2023, the Minister of Defence emphasised the importance of this.
As Chairman of SME-d, I look forward to contributing together with our members to deeper cooperation between the civilian business sector and the military. Everyone working in the defence and security sector is passionate about strengthening Sweden's defence capability and increasing competitiveness within the defence industry. This will create positive synergies and maintain Sweden's position as a leading nation in defence innovation and research. We are very interested in collaborating with relevant parties to develop efficiency, for example by improving procurement processes that promote innovations. We also want to start an administrative "clearing of the field" of obstacles and focus on opportunities to increase efficiency and innovation power within the defence industry, says Jaime Rico, Chairman of The Swedish Association of Small and Medium Size Enterprises in Defence and Security (SME-d).

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