DEBATE: "Strong action needed for the EU to stand up to global tech competition"

Sweden's presidency of the EU is an excellent opportunity to highlight tech issues, write Per Wallentin and Åsa Zetterberg from Techsverige, highlighting four areas that should receive extra focus.

Tech and digitalization are of fundamental importance for Sweden's and the EU's economies, competitiveness and sustainable development. In many areas, Sweden is a leader and we are at the forefront of the global tech race. At the same time, we see how many countries on other continents are moving much faster. If we are not to lose momentum, we must now take decisive action to ensure that the EU does not fall behind in the global tech competition.

The Swedish tech industry's contribution to GDP has grown significantly and amounts to almost SEK 300 billion per year. This is comparable to the value of the traditional Swedish basic industries - combined. Exports in telecommunications, data and information services are also significant, and larger than Sweden's entire goods exports to the United States. Sweden is the tenth largest exporter of IT services in the world. Tech contributes to the sustainable development of society as a whole through the digital solutions offered in terms of, for example, energy and process efficiency, infrastructure and security, and is a prerequisite for the development and competitiveness of many other industries.

Per Wallentin, Chairman of the Board, Techsverige
Åsa Zetterberg, Association Director, Techsverige