A new report from the Agency for Total Defence Analysis (MTFA) examines how government research funding affects Sweden's total defence. The analysis, covering the period 2014–2024, indicates that funds often miss civilian preparedness sectors and calls for clearer governance.
– Research is a long-term investment in our security. By systematically analysing how research funding is distributed, we can identify areas where we should strengthen research funding to enhance our ability to meet future threats, says Andreas Björke, report author and analyst at MTFA, in a statement to the agency.
The report "Research and Innovation in Total Defence" maps how agencies have contributed to research relevant to both military and civilian components. The agency notes that actors other than the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) play an important role in funding, but the distribution is uneven. A large portion of civilian research funding has been allocated to efforts in cybersecurity and technology development with military applications.
At the same time, MTFA notes that the funding has not reached all preparedness sectors or critical societal functions. According to the report, research funding agencies need to consider the requirements of the preparedness ordinance to ensure that activities support total defence.
A central conclusion is that the agencies lack sufficient understanding of the needs of total defence. To address this, MTFA proposes clearer allocation of responsibilities and increased awareness through better guidance. There is also a need for increased cooperation between funders and other actors within the sector.
– There are some uncertainties about how research funding should be adapted to the requirements of total defence. Through clearer responsibilities and better coordination, we can maximise the benefits of research, says Andreas Björke.