TechSverige's chief economist: Autumn budget is a step in the right direction - now persistence and speed are needed
The government presents its fall budget today. TechSverige welcomes investments in AI, cybersecurity and skills - initiatives that have been requested for a long time - but emphasizes that more is needed for Sweden to fully utilize the potential of tech and digitalization for prosperity, resilience and competitiveness.
However, strengthening Sweden's long-term growth requires sustained and greater investment going forward
- I am pleased that the government has listened to our input and is now making important investments. But this is just the beginning - the budget focuses mainly on supporting households, which is important to get us out of the recession. However, in order to strengthen Sweden's long-term growth, sustainable and larger investments are needed for a stronger business sector and an increased pace of digitization," says Christina Ramm-Ericson, Chief Economist at TechSverige.
The budget includes investments in AI and data through new factories and test environments, including a Swedish AI factory at Linköping University that gives companies access to computing power and development environments, a "cyber billion" for strengthened security, and measures for skills and training. The government also wants to make it easier for researchers, doctoral students and labor migrants to stay in Sweden, important steps for increased attractiveness. The government clarifies that PTS and Digg are planned to be merged into one agency for digitization on 1 January 2027, an important step for Sweden as a leading technology nation.
At the same time, there are shortcomings. Although steps are being taken forward, for example in AI, the business sector would need greater focus and important areas such as digital skills require more attention, and health and social care would need targeted investments in health and welfare technology for increased security, accessibility and to reduce queues.
The election year is approaching - the pace must pick up
The budget is presented a year before the elections, with room for reform of SEK 80 billion in 2026. The government wants to break the recession and create confidence in the future. At the same time, the tech temperature shows that the tech industry can drive the recovery - but only if the right conditions are in place.
- Our prosperity is built on the ability to embrace new technologies and innovation. But tougher competition, changing trade conditions and an uncertain international situation mean that both Sweden and Europe are facing crucial choices. For tech to continue to be a driving force for the economy, welfare, security and jobs of the future, long-term investments are needed. The budget takes steps in the right direction, but now we need to pick up the pace," says Christina Ramm-Ericson.