The Future of Industry

Swedish industry has long been a cornerstone of the country’s prosperity and capacity for innovation. However, in the face of rapid technological development, increasing geopolitical uncertainty and intensifying global competition, the sector is now confronting new and complex challenges.

Global outlook

Sweden is an open economy that is dependent on the outside world in every sense. Global competition is fierce, not least in terms of technological development. As part of the vision project Swedish Futures, IVA now offers quarterly thematic status reports on Asia, authored by expert researchers with extensive regional experience, under the title 'Global Outlook: Asia'.

In-depth Studies

Within the vision project Swedish Futures, IVA is initiating some 20 in-depth analyses of various themes, which may highlight energy supply, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, climate, new technologies, government finances, security and other important issues for Sweden.

Government Infrastructure Investments

A thematic deep dive within the Swedish Futures vision project, exploring models for government investment in areas such as physical and digital infrastructure, as well as total defence.

The John and Margaretha Aspegren Scholarship

In 2004, the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) established the John and Margaretha Aspegren Memorial Foundation to promote a better understanding between engineering sciences and the humanities.

Smart Industry competition

The Smart Industry Business Competition recognises and rewards companies that take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalisation in a smart and innovative way with clear results. The aim is to stimulate the digital and sustainable transformation of SMEs by highlighting best practice. The business competition has been held annually by IVA since 2016.

Hans Werthén Foundation

Each year, the Hans Werthén Foundation awards a number of scholarships for one year of scientific work at the postdoctoral or doctoral level, MBA or LL.M. studies in a qualified international environment. Next application period: January 8-March 7, 2027.

IVA’s memorial tributes

Each year the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) produces a booklet commemorating a person whose scientific, engineering, economic or industrial achievements were of significant benefit to the society of his or her day.

Global Outlook: Asia #4

In subverting the choice between accommodating the global AI industry and building AI independence, South Korea offers examples of creative possibilities in technology policy.

IVA's President: Some thoughts on the EU's Approach to China

China’s new Five-Year Plan was naturally the focus of this year’s China Development Forum (CDF), which took place last week in Beijing. And there is no hyperbole in observing that business leaders and representatives of international organizations were welcomed by a prime minister brimming with confidence.

IVA's President: Some thoughts on Strategic Indispensability

What constitutes the EU's strategic capital and how can we leverage this in our new world? You don't have to be the biggest and strongest in the world to be influential or strategically relevant. It is enough to be strategic and smart.

What Sweden Can Learn from Ukraine’s Drone Industry

Sweden needs to reform its public procurement regulations and innovation system to better foster innovation and address future crises, according to a new study produced on behalf of IVA. The review examines how Ukraine has rapidly developed a dynamic drone industry in the midst of ongoing war.

Steering Committee and Funding Providers

IVA´s project “Swedish Futures” aims to develop an overarching vision for Sweden as a world-leading country of technology and innovation by 2035, with a focus on competitiveness, sustainability, and security. The project is made possible thanks to the commitment and financial support of a large number of actors.

Contact us

Would you like to get in touch with someone at the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA)? Here you’ll find all staff members at IVA’s office in Stockholm, along with current address, billing, and contact details.

Meet IVA's President

Gain insights from Professor Sylvia Schwaag Serger’s perspectives on current issues shaping our future, along with the President’s contributions to recent publications and other engagements.

The Business Executives Council’s networks

The Business Executives Council’s networks are active forums where people in leading positions from different parts of the business community have the opportunity to share experience, knowledge and ideas within common areas of interest.

Fellows of IVA

Members of the Business Executives Council

IVA’s Business Executives Council comprises around 250 companies and organisations from the industrial and service sectors. Both private and public enterprises participate. Here you will find a listing of all the current member companies, in alphabetical order.

Resource Effectiveness and the Circular Economy

This project focused on resource effectiveness and the circular economy, crucial matters for a future with greater global prosperity. A number of initiatives and projects around the country are examining how resource efficiency and circularity can be introduced in various sectors. But there is no unifying arena where industries and perspectives can meet. A platform is needed for resource efficiency and a circular society where industry, research and policy-makers can work together.

R2B Summit 2023

The full-day event R2B Summit 2023 took place at 7A Posthuset in Stockholm on 4 October. The R2B Summit is a unique meeting place with opportunities for researchers and the business community to find each other and exchange experiences and perspectives, with a view to creating innovations and business opportunities together. The programme is aimed at those who hold a leading position or are responsible for innovation, research and development at a company or an organisation. And at researchers on IVA’s 100 List 2023.