Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation

Sweden’s national life sciences strategy was launched in late December 2019 to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Sweden as a life sciences nation.

"Sweden aims to be a leading life sciences nation. Life sciences contribute to improving health and quality of life of the population, ensuring economic prosperity, advancing the country as a leading knowledge nation and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

In light of the severe financial impact of COVID-19 on many sole traders, the Government today decided on turnover-based support for sole traders. The support enters into force on 9 November and builds on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

On September 24 the Government decided to extend until the end of the year the government credit guarantee programme aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises that have experienced financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme was launched in the spring as part of the Government’s measures to support the business sector during the ongoing pandemic and builds on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party. As a result of this decision, the option for businesses to take part in the credit guarantee programme applies to loans granted until 31 December 2020.

On September 24 the Government decided to extend the possibility for the National Veterinary Institute to carry out diagnostics of COVID-19 in humans. The decision means an extension of one more year, until 31 December 2021.

The State is a significant company owner in Sweden. The portfolio of state-owned enterprises contains 46 fully and partially owned enterprises, of which two are listed. The State has a substantial responsibility to be an active and professional owner. The Government’s overall objective is for the enterprises to create value and, where applicable, to ensure that the specifically adopted public policy assignments are performed well.

Research and innovation are crucial to Sweden’s competitiveness and to rebooting the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the autumn budget, the Government is therefore proposing increased funding to Vinnova, RISE and Business Sweden for measures that help reboot Sweden. The proposal is based on an agreement between the Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

Global warming continues regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. Climate change will remain the defining issue of our generation. The Government is therefore proposing investments of SEK 9.7 billion in green recovery initiatives in the Budget Bill for 2021. The Government’s proposals are based on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

In light of the severe financial impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many sole traders, the Government is now proposing SEK 3.5 billion to support these companies in 2020. The Budget Bill for 2021 proposes that an additional SEK 1.5 billion be set aside for 2021. It is proposed that the Government’s proposals, which build on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party, enter into force as soon as possible.

The Government has decided to extend the ordinance that enables the provision of compensation for the temporary suspension of fishing activities – tie-up support – to commercial fishers who have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.