The Swedish Civil Defence Agency and Vinnova are initiating a three-year collaboration to strengthen civil defence through innovation, according to a press release. The first initiative will start this spring and will be an open call focused on the protection of the civilian population.
– By combining Vinnova's ability to reach out to innovative companies with our insight into the needs of civil defence, we are building solutions that can truly protect the population when it matters, says Mikael Frisell, Director General of the Swedish Civil Defence Agency.
The background to the initiative is a government mandate where the Swedish Civil Defence Agency is to take measures to increase innovation capacity within the sector. The agreement on a national innovation programme was signed on 19 January by the agencies' directors general.
The programme will start in the spring with an open call. According to the announcement, the focus is on finding new solutions to protect the civilian population in times of crisis or war.
The collaboration is described as long-term.
– Combining preparedness, civil defence, and innovation is not just a security issue. It is a future issue for Sweden, says Darja Isaksson, Director General of Vinnova.