Four years later: Tech has moved up on the agenda—now it’s time for implementation 

When the legislative term began in 2022, Sweden faced a situation that was completely different from today’s. AI had not yet made its major breakthrough, the security situation was different, and tech and digitalization issues played a much less prominent role in the political debate. 

Four years later, our assessment of the term in office is positive—but we are not satisfied. 

Technology issues are much higher on the political agenda. The pace has picked up, particularly during the second half of this legislative term. Sweden has adopted strategies for AI, digitalization, cybersecurity, and quantum technology. Investment in research and strategic technology has been strengthened, a new Digitalization Agency is in the works, and conditions for research and development and international cutting-edge expertise, among other things, have improved. 

In several areas, we are seeing progress on issues that TechSverige and our member companies have been advocating for a long time. These are important steps in the right direction. The fact that Ekot’s recent Saturday interview brought together all the parties in the Riksdag for a special debate on AI also speaks to this shift. 

At the same time, the world around us has been changing even faster. AI is advancing at a pace that few could have foreseen four years ago. Competition for capital, talent, and investment has intensified, and digital infrastructure and cybersecurity have become central components of Sweden’s resilience. 

It is therefore not enough that Sweden has made progress. The question is whether we have done so quickly enough. 

Tech has become economic policy 

One of the most significant shifts during this term of office is the perspective on technology. AI, digitalization, and new technologies are increasingly being discussed not as isolated digitalization issues, but rather as matters of productivity, competitiveness, security, and growth. 

This is a trend that TechSverige, together with our member companies, has worked hard to help foster. A strong tech industry is essential for increasing productivity across the entire economy, advancing social welfare, and strengthening Sweden in an increasingly uncertain global environment. 

It is therefore encouraging that Sweden has finally adopted its first comprehensive AI strategy, with the ambition of becoming one of the world’s top ten AI nations. But it came late. The same applies to the digitalization strategy. Sweden’s position will now be determined by how quickly these ambitions are translated into practical application, investment, and innovation. 

This is especially true for the public sector. AI and digital technology can contribute to better healthcare, education, and social services while freeing up time and resources. The government needs to be a better purchaser and enabler—not build solutions that the market can already deliver.  

TechSverige has been advocating for healthy competition between the public and private sectors. It is therefore encouraging that new regulations against unfair public sales practices have been put in place. Now, these regulations must also have a real impact. 

Skills begin in school and continue throughout one's working life 

AI is changing job roles and the skills in demand. For junior professionals and recent graduates, entering the job market has become more difficult, while competition for top talent remains fierce. 

Sweden now has a STEM strategy, but the issue of skills begins much earlier. During this legislative term, the discussion about digitization in schools has all too often been reduced to a debate about screens, even as four out of ten 8th-grade students lack basic digital skills. 

TechSverige has been working to strengthen the supply of talent throughout the entire chain—from children’s and young people’s digital skills and understanding of AI to higher education, career transitions, and the ability to attract world-class international talent. 

In the next term, we need to continue on this path: create better pathways for young people and recent graduates, strengthen opportunities for lifelong learning, and ensure swift and predictable regulations for labor immigration. 
 
After several years of weak economic growth and in the face of tougher international competition, Sweden also needs to increase productivity, strengthen the labor supply, and make better use of the skills that already exist. That is why we view proposals for a general reduction in working hours with concern. For a global industry where skills are one of the most important competitive factors, this is the wrong path to take. 

 
Digital infrastructure is strategic infrastructure 

At the same time, there are areas where Sweden’s competitiveness needs to be strengthened. AI is making access to computing power, data centers, electricity, and robust digital infrastructure increasingly important. Sweden is well-positioned, but the conditions for data centers have deteriorated, while our Nordic neighbors are competing for the same investments. 

During its term, TechSverige has worked to ensure that digital infrastructure is recognized for what it has become: a strategic infrastructure for Sweden’s economy, security, and competitiveness. Now, the conditions for investment must also reflect that importance. 

The next government needs a minister for AI and technology 

TechSverige and our member companies have helped drive this transition over the past four years. But much of it has come late, and the world around us has moved faster. The next term must therefore be a term of implementation. 

Strategies and goals must be translated into investments and tangible results. Sweden needs to increase the use of AI and digitalization, strengthen the commercialization of research and innovation, ensure a sufficient supply of skilled workers, and create competitive conditions for digital infrastructure. 

This requires clearer political leadership. TechSverige wants to see an AI and Technology Minister in the next government, with overall responsibility for AI, digitalization, and data, and a mandate to drive the government’s work across ministry boundaries. Together with a Digitalization Cabinet and the new Digitalization Agency, this could strengthen Sweden’s ability to get things done. 

Sweden is very well positioned to be Europe’s leading tech nation, but that position is not a given. The next four years must focus less on what Sweden wants to do and more on what we actually do.

Christina Ramm-Ericson, Chief Economist