A new Agency for Digitization - a force for digitization 

The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) and the Agency for Digital Government (Digg) have today delivered their contribution to the creation of a digitalization authority in Sweden - which they describe as a force for digitalization. They note the long-term benefits of a merger, which can contribute to a broader systems perspective, which is central to a digital transformation. The authorities also highlight that by joining forces they can handle large and complex government assignments in the field of digitalization policy and strengthen Sweden's digitalization and innovation capacity. Positive announcements and in line with TechSweden's contribution to the debate Give the new digitalization authority AI responsibility - Altinget | News, analysis and debate about Swedish politics 

In line with what TechSverige has been pushing for, it is proposed that the new authority will be able to take clearer responsibility and drive AI development in Sweden. For the business community and TechSverige's member companies, it is important that the right conditions are created for innovation and development, and here a powerful digitization authority with a focus on promoting innovation can play an important role. Especially if they are also tasked with handling parts of the AI Commission's Roadmap for Sweden. A Roadmap that is currently in reply to public consultation and where the first step, which does not need to be dependent on a long referral process, could be to designate the new digitization authority as responsible. 

In addition to the AI issue, it is particularly positive that it is proposed to facilitate interaction between the public sector and the business community. There are untapped opportunities to increase digitization and innovation in society at large through increased interaction. 

One issue that we are missing, and which is important for Swedish competitiveness and digital transformation, is skills supply. The new authority should be given a broader responsibility for ensuring that society's skills needs linked to digital development are met. The authority should monitor, analyze and initiate measures for digital skills supply at different levels, not only digital inclusion and participation but also digital excellence.  

PTS and Digg highlight in their analysis that the value of a merger depends on WHAT, HOW, WHEN. This is an important point. We agree, a merger in itself will not stop Sweden from falling behind or be more successful in developing and taking advantage of the opportunities of digitalization to the same extent as leading countries. Much more is needed, not least a strong tech industry that can contribute to development, as well as political will and an increase in ambition if the merger is to increase the pace for a secure and competitive Sweden at the digital forefront. However, with the government's upcoming digitization strategy, with hopefully significantly increased ambitions, and a powerful and innovation-promoting new authority, important steps are taken on the road. A decision on a new digitalization authority should therefore be taken as soon as possible. 

Robert Liljeström
Business policy expert

Pia Högset
Business policy expert

Report on the assignment to submit proposals for organizational change (pdf)