A reform for jobs, competitiveness, and optimism about the future throughout Sweden 

Technology has changed Sweden before—and is doing so again 

Thirty years ago, Sweden took a decisive step into the digital age. Digital technology gained traction during a period marked by major market reforms, strong entrepreneurship, and extensive private investment in technology. Together, these factors laid the foundation for an entire generation of companies, jobs, and innovations that today shape Sweden’s economy. Through initiatives such as the home PC reform, computers became part of everyday life in homes, as well as in schools and workplaces. What was then perceived as a technological leap quickly became a matter of course—a tool for learning, work, and new opportunities. 

Since then, technology has evolved from being a support system to becoming a cornerstone of everyday life. We work, study, run businesses, and receive healthcare with the help of digital solutions. New jobs have emerged, others have changed, and productivity across the entire economy has increased. Tech has become a new basic industry—just as crucial to Sweden’s prosperity as forestry, steel, and the engineering industry once were. 

Sweden now finds itself at a crossroads once again. Digitalization and AI are rapidly transforming the labor market, while global competition is intensifying and productivity growth is slowing. Companies are struggling with skills shortages, young people are finding it difficult to enter the labor market, and regulations are not always keeping pace with technological developments. 

Without a clear strategy for the future, Sweden risks losing momentum, investment, and jobs at a time when the transition is happening faster than ever. 

Technology as a driver of jobs and growth

Ultimately, it all comes down to political choices. Given the right conditions, the tech sector can become a stronger force by creating more jobs, building stronger companies, and fostering a society that can afford to thrive.  

The Tech Agenda is therefore not about technology for technology’s sake. It is about people, work, and everyday life, and about Sweden’s ability to build prosperity during the next term of office and long beyond. 

When technology works, the benefits are felt throughout society. Businesses can grow and hire new employees, people find new jobs, and the workplace becomes more flexible and productive. Digitalization and AI make it possible to work smarter, develop new services, and compete globally—even for small and growing businesses. 

At the same time, jobs are changing. New roles are emerging, job responsibilities are evolving, and technology is freeing up time for more skilled work. For many, tech can be a gateway into the job market; for others, it offers opportunities for professional growth. 

To capitalize on this opportunity, we need a workforce characterized by professional development, learning, and flexibility. With the right policy choices, technology can continue to create jobs, boost productivity, and contribute to a society that can afford to thrive—in people’s daily lives and across the country. 

The Tech Track – Measures for More Jobs and Stronger Growth 

To create more jobs and strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness, a comprehensive reform is needed that links the labor market, education, and innovation. 

1. Lower the barriers to entering the labor market – for a competitive workforce
Make it easier for companies to hire recent graduates by reducing employer contributions for those with university and vocational college degrees who meet specific degree requirements, and bring forward support measures for unemployed recent graduates through, for example, better access to qualified internships. 

2. Make it easier for companies to take the lead in tech, AI, and digital innovation
Task relevant authorities with providing coordinated, practical, and easily accessible guidance on legal matters, data protection, and the implementation of AI solutions. Companies need clear guidance and predictable application of regulations in order to invest in, develop, and scale up new technologies in Sweden. 

3. An entrepreneurship package to launch, build, and scale tech companies in Sweden
Strengthen the supply of capital through an attractive and internationally competitive investment environment. Create a program to promote and strengthen local innovation ecosystems such as science parks, incubators, and regional tech hubs. More research results must be able to be translated into companies, products, and research-based spin-off companies. Employee ownership should be encouraged through predictable and competitive taxation of employee stock options and ownership in growth companies. 

4. Attract and retain international talent
Sweden needs to become better at competing for global talent. Labor immigration for highly skilled workers needs to be streamlined through faster processes, better coordination among government agencies, and long-term attractive conditions. As part of this, Sweden should adopt an ambitious talent strategy and introduce a startup visa for entrepreneurs who want to launch and build innovative growth companies here. 

When the Tech Line Becomes a Reality 

With the right conditions in place, the tech industry can continue to grow, create new jobs across the country, and boost productivity in all sectors. Since the pandemic year of 2020, the number of people employed in the Swedish tech industry has increased by over 30,000, a 13 percent rise, which is about 2.5 times faster than employment growth in the rest of the economy. This demonstrates what a job engine tech already is, and the potential that lies ahead. 

During the coming term, continued strong growth in the tech industry could lead to the creation of thousands of new skilled jobs, not only in major cities but throughout the country. As more companies invest and grow, more young people and recent graduates will secure their first skilled jobs, while existing jobs will evolve in step with the technological transition. 

The tech industry is already one of Sweden’s most important sources of growth and tax revenue. In 2024, Swedish tech companies contributed approximately 194 billion kronor in tax revenue to the state, municipalities, and regions. This amount covers the budget for Sweden’s military defense and the cost of this year’s reduction in the food sales tax. Furthermore, for every one percent of growth in the industry, approximately two billion kronor in new tax revenue is generated, which strengthens the ability to finance welfare, security, and investments in the future. 

Forecasts indicate that the tech industry could grow by 20–27 percent through 2028, driven by sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud services, electrification, and industrial 5G solutions. This means that tech will continue to grow significantly faster than the broader economy, increase its share of GDP, and create opportunities for both more jobs and higher productivity across the entire economy. 

Technology for jobs and growth is therefore not just about a single industry, but about Sweden’s long-term prosperity—about the ability to create jobs, contribute to social welfare, strengthen competitiveness, and stand strong in a more uncertain global reality through innovation and a workforce where more people can contribute and grow alongside the technological transition.