National leadership at the heart of the digital transformation in the wake of COVID-19

PTS received in June a mission from the government identifying and analyzing experiences and needs for action to live and work digitally in the wake of covid -19. Now the authority has presented its findings in a report, where IT&Telecom companies among othersa stakeholders participated andIvite inset.

The report states, among other things, that technological progress provides opportunities but that the core of the transition is essentially organizational and heavily dependent on the leadership and approach of organizations. Major societal transitions depend on the incentives, resources, skills, attitudes, cooperation and courage of many people and organizations at different levels and in different sectors. Challenges linked to existing regulations, working methods, governance and follow-up also affect opportunities for societal transformation. The report makes the overall assessment that the transition is complex and that it is subject to inertia for various reasons. Leadership in change is highlighted as particularly important - and national leadership as central.

- We welcome the fact that the report clearly highlights the need for national political leadership and that the government has a central role in this," says Christina Ramm-Ericson, Head of Industrial Policy, IT&Telecom Industries.

The report describes also how the pandemic has made people even more dependent on broadband access as a prerequisite for working, studying, communicating and socializing.

- The report confirms that Swedish operators have weathered the pandemic. Networks have stood the test and have been able to handle the increased data trafficand caused by the pandemic. But the report is also clear that the networks do not yet reach everyone and that more support money is needed," stresses My Bergdahl, an expert on industrial policy, IT&Telecom companies.

PTS cuckooThe report assesses that it missing approximately SEK 20 billion in addition to already decided means of support and investments made by market participants assessed will do to achieve the goals of universal access to fast broadband 2025.

Report: Digital transformation in response to COVID-19