Yesterday it was again time

Innovation was the topic of the third roundtable with Anna-Karin Hatt. Those present were very much in agreement that the use and knowledge of IT is essential for the country's competitiveness. Furthermore, it was interesting to hear how many people talked about the need for interdisciplinary research, user-driven innovation and the danger of only working and researching in silos. The need for interdisciplinary arenas was a clear message.

The need for a simple and uniform market for digital services was also raised. More and more people realize that the current regulatory framework does not work in a digital environment, it can apply to everything from VAT rules, customs, rights clearances, patents, etc.

Another reflection: when we talk about innovation, it is very easy to end up with start-ups, how can we stimulate entrepreneurship and commercialization of research? It is so easy to forget the existing companies, those that have already proven that they can run a business, get customers and deliver. How can society help these companies grow, reach a global market and develop new services and products? And how can we get global companies to locate development activities in Sweden? The larger companies are often engines for smaller ones. I wonder how many of the 175 Swedish companies currently exhibiting in Barcelona would have existed if Sony Ericsson and Ericsson had not been here...

Innovation activities in companies, R&D, should therefore be stimulated in every way, to the benefit of both existing and new companies. Many other countries already have tax incentives - it is high time for us in Sweden too.