On December 17, the Government presented the Research and Innovation Bill, which sets the direction for Sweden's research policy over the next four years. An increased investment in strategic innovation programs, in the direction of the work of Viable Cities, is included.
In the bill, the government describes a development of the innovation programs, they talk about "the next generation of strategic innovation programs 2.0". According to the bill, the programs will to a greater extent address "areas with broad societal relevance based on the 2030 Agenda to bring about systemic changes and include a larger budget to further ensure their effect and impact.".
- We welcome the government's ambition to further develop the strategic innovation programs. The description of SIP 2.0 fully reflects our focus on mission-driven innovation for climate-neutral cities with a good life for all within the limits of the planet," says Olga Kordas, Viable Cities Program Manager.
According to the bill, the trend should be towards fewer programs with larger budgets to achieve more powerful system effects in areas that are strategically important to Sweden. The programs should also have a clearer focus on fossil-free and non-toxic circular economy, as well as broader societal impact and strengthened international collaboration both within the EU and globally.
- The proposal confirms that we are working in the right direction, based on a theory of change aimed at achieving transformative systemic change, and working strategically on internationalization both within the EU and globally.
The bill states that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of research and knowledge in responding to crises and societal challenges, and responds to this by investing in high-quality strategic research and innovation initiatives. The Research and Innovation Bill focuses on five major societal challenges: climate and environment, health and welfare, digitalization, skills supply and working life, and a democratic and strong society.
