What do you see as the biggest obstacle to Sweden remaining competitive in the face of rapid technological development?
The biggest obstacle is not really a lack of technology or innovative capacity – but rather that developments are outpacing our structures, processes and decision-making systems. Sweden has strong innovative capacity, a high level of digital maturity and a world-leading tech sector, but we risk falling behind if we do not translate our ambitions into concrete action more quickly.
This covers everything from the supply of skills and the use of AI to digital infrastructure, cyber security and regulatory frameworks that both protect and enable innovation. We need to use our strengths wisely, whilst at the same time having the courage to remove those things that, in practice, become unnecessary barriers to investment, entrepreneurship, skills and innovation. Sweden must continue to be attractive to talent, businesses and capital at a time when global competition is intensifying.
We also need to become even better at turning data, connectivity, AI and digital solutions into tangible value – in business, public services, industry and social development. Technology in itself is not the goal, but when used correctly, it can strengthen competitiveness, productivity, welfare and resilience.
At the same time, Sweden is very well placed to remain a leading tech nation. We enjoy a high level of trust, a strong culture of collaboration, innovative companies and a public sector that has long been at the forefront of digital development. However, this requires us to step up cooperation between politics, the public sector and the business community, and to have the courage to make decisions more quickly.
That is also why we are running the Techsäkra Sverige initiative. We want to highlight tech as a key issue for Sweden’s future – not just as a matter of innovation, but as a matter of competitiveness, welfare, security and resilience. When Swedish tech is strong, Sweden is stronger too.
Which issue relating to digitalisation and technology do you think we still don’t talk about enough – even though it will affect both the public sector and the business community?
I think we still don’t talk enough about digital capability and the ability to deliver. Many people talk about AI and digitalisation as visions, but far less about what is actually required to succeed in practice.
This concerns skills, leadership, data sharing, procurement, cyber security and modern digital infrastructure, at all levels. The public sector and the business community need to be able to adopt new technology more quickly and more strategically; otherwise, Sweden risks falling behind both economically and in terms of security.
We also need to talk more about technology as a catalyst for a stronger society. Used correctly, technology can contribute to greater well-being, a more efficient public sector, enhanced preparedness and higher productivity. But this requires the courage and knowledge to set priorities and invest for the long term.
What do you do to stay curious and gain new perspectives in an industry where the pace of change is so rapid?
I actively seek to move between different perspectives and contexts. It is often at the intersection of tech companies, the public sector, research and politics that the most interesting insights emerge.
I also spend a great deal of time listening to our member companies. They are at the heart of these developments and can identify emerging opportunities and challenges at a very early stage, whether these relate to AI, cyber security, skills or geopolitics.
I also believe it is important to remain curious about how technology affects society as a whole. Technology is not an end in itself. What is interesting is what technology can enable for people, businesses and Sweden as a whole.
