Research and Business

Finally, the government's National Innovation Strategy and Research Bill has arrived. Naturally, I'm looking for major investments in IT, this Swedish paradigm, and I'm initially rather disappointed when I read about major investments in the raw materials industries - mining, steel and forestry - as well as in civil engineering and life sciences. But when you look a little closer, there are some gems; the use of ICT comes into almost all areas.

In the field of sustainable spatial planning, there are lots of exciting IT solutions: smart electricity grids, intelligent transport systems (ITS), etc. Life Science is not just about basic medical research, but also includes research into how technology and new ways of working can improve the quality of health and social care. Of course, we would have liked to see a clearer research track for ICT, but it is actually the applications that ultimately become successful innovations.

But the big question remains - how can we get businesses more involved in research and how can we better commercialize research results in companies? The innovation strategy wisely highlights the roles of users, businesses and the public sector in a good innovation climate. But what can and should be done in practice? For example, how do we get more companies involved in VINNOVAS' Strategic Innovation Program or in the activities of research institutes? To get the ball rolling, we need concrete, measurable goals and activities that motivate both business and public actors to act. This is missing from the strategy - suggestions and ideas are gratefully received.