Billions for security and resilience in upcoming budget

The government announced yesterday (12/9) that it wants to invest new billions in civil defense. A total of SEK 8.5 billion will be allocated in 2025 and from 2028, total spending on civil defense is expected to amount to about SEK 15 billion per year. Minister for Civil Defense Carl-Oskar Bohlin's (M) announcement is welcome.

The government wants to strengthen the security and reliability of the digital infrastructure. This involves both the resilience of the infrastructure and the sector's preparedness work, to "secure Sweden's ability to communicate nationally, internationally and digitally in all situations." It is not yet clear how far the new level of SEK 1.8 billion will go to achieve such ambitious goals, but an increase of SEK 1.6 billion has been announced. 

However, it is important to note how the minister most responsible, Erik Slottner (KD), described electronic communications and digitalization. Several times Slottner highlighted the risks of using electronic communications, saying, among other things, that "the more digitalized we become, the more vulnerable we become as people ... and as countries." 

Although Mr. Slottner also mentioned the importance for competitiveness, it was mostly a negative and risky picture he painted. Perhaps that is right in this context. The use and dependence on robust electronic communications is high. However, it is important to also highlight what tech and digitalization mean for Sweden's prosperity. The tech sector contributes to 11% of Swedish exports, and its contribution to GDP exceeds the total contribution from traditional basic industry.

Electronic communications and other digital solutions also contribute to safety and security with efficient communications and smart solutions - sharpening all other areas of society. While vulnerabilities and security must be taken seriously, digitalization makes important contributions to safety and security. Technology has also often proved resilient to major stresses and changes, as during the pandemic. 

In Ukraine, the war has seen an increase in internet and mobile phone users and widespread attacks on infrastructure. So there is every reason to prepare. As the government accelerates its work on contingency planning and supply issues, it must take into account the conditions of the tech industry (and other businesses). Voluntariness and agreements should be the starting point in cooperation with companies. Security measures that benefit society but cannot be justified on commercial grounds should be publicly funded. At present, some operators pay a contingency fee which is then redistributed by the National Post and Telecom Agency. We will have to read the fine print in the budget bill, but we hope that this is a real government investment - and not primarily an increase in the fee. 

Finally, hybrid warfare is already here. Telecom operators and those providing and using digital services are exposed to constant attacks and cybercrime. The day-to-day work, the ongoing investments in resilience and security are crucial also for the capability in crisis and war.

Fredrik Sand
Business policy expert, TechSverige