International Innovation Initiative – Joint Promotion of International Collaboration

In Sverige, we have a long tradition and a strong belief in the power of collaboration and we have an innovation system that stimulates collaboration. The purpose of the International Innovation Initiative is to further develop cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation.

Collaboration is necessary for the transition to a sustainable society. By sharing knowledge, solutions and good examples, we can create a better future for future generations. It's time for change and action. Together we can handle the challenges we face.

Sweden - top nation for innovation

Sweden is a leading knowledge nation with one of the world's foremost innovation system. Sweden has been ranked as one of the world's foremost innovation nations for years. Our innovation capacity is high according to various international comparisons conducted by the European Commission, World Econimic Forum as well as other reputable institutions.

Collaboration is a key ingredient in the Swedish recipe for success as an innovation nation. Co-creation is necessary to be at the forefront of innovation. Against this background, the International Innovation Initiative aims to promote long-term relations with priority countries.

Come and innovate with us!

Long-term collaboration with strategic partners creates more and better business opportunities, strengthens research and education, supports innovation processes and attracts investments and expertise to both Sweden and our partner countries. Come and innovate with us through co-creation!

Information, coordination and joint project

The Swedish Government commissioned the Swedish Innovation Agency, Vinnova, with an assignment to strengthen strategic international innovation collaborations and partnerships. According to the assignment, Vinnova shall contribute to the building of strategic relations and long-term promotion of innovation together with prioritised countries. The activities shall develop and facilitate cooperation within for example Sweden’s international agreements and partnerships.

Vinnova has thus launched the International Innovation Initiative together with the Swedish Government Offices, the Swedish Trade and Invest Council, Business Sweden, and other Swedish innovation actors. Please see a list of the innovation actors running the Initiative below.

The Initiative brings together industry, academia and public sector for exchange of information, coordination and joint projects. The work is based on Sweden’s areas of strength, interests of Swedish industry, collaboration between different actors and interests of our partner countries.

Read the entire government assignment

Long-term Increase of Relations through Joint Action

In the short term, the Initiative promotes information sharing and coordination among Swedish innovation actors' international activities. One of the tools used, is a common list of international innovation activities.

In addition, the innovation actors running the Initiative start joint projects. The joint projects may involve more innovation actors than those running the Initiative. The projects are actor- and needs-driven and often complement and strengthens already existing activities.

In the longer term, through greater coordination among Swedish innovation actors, we increase the attractiveness and ability of Sweden as global innovation partner. By bringing competence and ideas together we also favour innovation and new technology.

There is lots of innovation taking place!

You find more information about ongoing innovation activities and joint projects at our country specific websites below. The Initiative includes, but is not limited to, the partner countries listed below.

Brazil
Switzerland
Israel
USA

For the following countries, there are LinkedIn groups where you can find information about innovation activities and partners. More groups will be created soon. You will need to log in to LinkedIn to be able to follow the links.

India
South Korea
Japan
China
Canada
Brazil
Israel
Joint group of Germany and France

Vinnova in Silicon Valley

Nordic Innovation House - Silicon Valley

We who run the International Innovation Initiative are:

• ABB
• The Association of Swedish Engineering Industries
• AstraZeneca
• Chalmers University of Technology
• Ericsson
• Karolinska Institutet
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology
• Linköping University
• Linnaeus University
• Luleå University of Technology
• Lund University
• Malmö University
• Mälardalen University
• RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
• Saab Group
• Scania
• Stockholm University
• Stora Enso
• The Swedish Energy Agency
• The Swedish Institute
• University of Gothenburg
• Umeå University
• Uppsala University
• Volvo Group

Coordinators for the International Innovation Initiative

Vinnova, Sweden’s Innovation Agency, including Vinnova’s innovation scouts in Silicon Valley (the US) and Tel Aviv (Israel), is the main coordinator of the Initiative. The Initiative is coordinated in close collaboration with:

• Business Sweden, the Swedish Trade and Invest Council, operating in more than 40 markets across Europe, Americas, Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific
• Offices of Science and Innovation, Embassy of Sweden in Beijing (China), Brasília (Brazil), New Delhi (India), Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan) and Washington (US).
• Intsam, the coordinating body for international activities of the Swedish research funding agencies: the Swedish Innovation Agency (Vinnova), the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development (Formas), Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (Forte) and the Swedish Energy Agency. In addition, the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education participates as an observer in Intsam.