Electronic communications and digital services at the heart of total defense 

Sweden's security situation has deteriorated and there is a significant risk that the threat to Sweden will worsen. The threats to Sweden and companies operating in Sweden are serious and complex. The report "Competitive companies strengthen security of supply and total defence" from the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise presents recommendations for creating the conditions for a viable and prepared business sector both in peace and in war. The report has been produced in collaboration with TechSverige, among others.

Companies operating in Sweden play a crucial role in maintaining a resilient society and are the foundation of Sweden's preparedness. Not least because both the Swedish Armed Forces and NATO consider that civil defense needs to increase its capabilities and support military defense with, for example, electronic communications (including cyber security), TechSverige's members will be affected by contingency planning.  

TechSverige's members provide a range of services such as fixed and mobile telephony, connectivity, IT services and IT operations to key government agencies and businesses, as well as information and cyber security for many stakeholders. Access to knowledge, data flows and the ability to maintain value chains are crucial for businesses in Sweden. It is also in a well-functioning everyday life that the foundation is laid for Sweden's ability to manage crises and wars.  

- The ability to manage communications and keep a digitalized society going will be tested in a real-life situation. Our member companies' services are crucial for many actors in society," says Fredrik Sand, industrial policy expert at TechSverige. 

As the government accelerates its work on contingency planning and supply issues, great consideration must be given to the conditions of the tech industry. Voluntariness and agreements should be the starting point in cooperation with companies. The current funding of preparedness work needs to be reviewed and many interfaces between the state and the industry need to be developed for information and cyber security.  

- The flow of information cannot be one-way. The state cannot only take but must also give something back. This is an important first step for preparedness work. TechSweden's members are ready to contribute," says Fredrik Sand.