IT&Telecom companies on the budget

Our industrial policy experts comment.

Fredrik von Essen on skills

- The government notes that investments are needed in digitization in the various parts of the education system, and that proposals have been made, but the bill contains virtually nothing about how they will be implemented. It seems that the government thinks that digitalization in education is important but that they do not have the energy to invest in it, says Fredrik.

The Government notes that the National Agency for Education, in its follow-up of the national digitization strategy, emphasizes the importance of principals and head teachers developing strategic leadership around digitization and notes that teachers experience a need to develop their digital skills, for example in programming. Funds allocated for this in the bill: SEK 0. Other announced initiatives: none.

The Government notes that SALAR has submitted a proposal for an action plan for the digitalisation of the school system, with 18 key national initiatives and activities that should be driven by actors at national level. Funds allocated for this in the bill: SEK 0. Other announced initiatives: none.

The Government is providing additional funding to the National Agency for Education to digitize the national tests. Funds allocated for this in the bill: SEK 62 million over a three-year period.

The government will commission the development of digital tools for study and career counselors. Funds allocated for this in the bill: SEK 30 million over a three-year period.

Summary observation of the above: Of the nearly 100 million invested in digitization efforts, the majority goes to a project where digitization is equal to making analog activities digital and the rest goes to investments in school staff who are not engaged in teaching or leadership.

My Bergdahl on broadband and 5G

- The government's broadband investment of SEK 650 million over three years is too little. Our calculations show that 6 out of 10 people in rural areas lack access to high-speed broadband, and major investments are needed to achieve the government's broadband target. Our analysis shows that the public sector would need to contribute up to SEK 10 billion," says My.

In the budget bill, the government writes about 5G and that it believes that Sweden should be a leader in the field. Obviously, this is something that IT&Telecom companies welcome, but at the same time there is nothing concrete in the proposal. The government has also presented a new law that we believe is unclear and does not give the market the necessary predictability for companies to dare to invest and roll out 5G.

Once again, investments in digitization and the government's own authority in the area of the Agency for Digital Government (DIGG) are conspicuous by their absence. IT&Telekomföretagen regrets that the government is not listening to advice from, among others, the OECD and is taking a clearer grip on the digitization issue and gathering strength. Where is the leadership, Anders Ygeman?

Pär Nygårds on security

- Authorities, municipalities and county councils' work on IT security needs to be developed to cope with the digital transition. IT&Telekomföretagen therefore appreciates the government's intention to review how IT operations for public administration can be as cost-effective and secure as possible," says Pär.

If the level of information security is to be kept high at manageable costs, it will be difficult for the public sector to develop and run advanced IT operations in-house over time. The obvious way forward to get the most out of digitalization is to use market solutions.

Henrik Edin on the chemicals tax

- IT&Telecom companies, together with other industry organizations, have pointed out the problem that the chemical tax does not cover imports of electronic goods and that it leads to a distorted competitive situation. For the Swedish business community, it is therefore positive that the government is implementing a reform to create fair conditions regardless of where the business is located," says Henrik.

However, much more needs to be done. The chemical tax suffers from serious shortcomings that risk leading to false substitution and operators starting to use unwanted chemicals to get a bigger tax rebate. A complete overhaul of the chemical tax was needed.

Lars Lundberg on welfare and start-ups

- Digitalization enables the development of healthcare. The fact that the government, for example, is investing additional funds linked to its export strategy is positive because it can also include the digital sector," says Lars.

A total of SEK 100 million per year will be allocated between 2020 and 2022. The funds will be used to implement initiatives aimed at strengthening Sweden's long-term competitiveness and sustainability, and to finance pilot projects in key areas that promote innovative solutions to meet societal challenges. The funds will be linked to the National Innovation Council and used for strategic initiatives within the framework of the Council's work and priorities.

In order to secure Almi's operations in the long term, the Government proposes in the Budget Bill for 2020 that SEK 110 million be added to Almi's appropriation from 2020. With the Government's investment, Almi will receive a permanent subsidy that gives the company a stable foundation and allows Almi to offer financing and advice to companies to a greater extent, thereby contributing to the development of companies throughout the country. This is positive for start-up companies in Sweden.

The Government is allocating an additional five welfare billions in 2020, which will be distributed to all municipalities and county councils. The increased general allocations proposed by the Government will provide the local government sector with long-term conditions for developing welfare based on local needs. It creates opportunities for municipalities and county councils to employ more people and strengthen health, education and social care. It is also a matter of supporting the county councils in their efforts to develop health care, with a focus on primary care. IT&Telecom companies want to see increased digitization in the area.