Ibrahim Baylan

The Government’s Research and Innovation Bill outlines the direction of Sweden’s research policy over the next four years. The resources will increase considerably already next year to tackle major societal challenges and safeguard freedom of research. The aim is for Sweden to be one of the world’s foremost research and innovation countries and a prominent knowledge nation. The appropriation will increase by SEK 3.4 billion in 2021. The estimated investments in 2022, 2023 and 2024 are around SEK 3.2. billion, SEK 3.3 billion and SEK 3.75 billion respectively. Research and innovation are needed to restart the economy and build skills, competitiveness and welfare.

The Government today proposed extending the government credit guarantee programme ‘Företagsakuten’ into 2021 so as to cover lending after 31 December. The programme is intended to facilitate lending to small and medium-sized companies affected by the pandemic. The Företagsakuten programme was launched in spring 2020 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.

The situation facing the package tour industry is serious. The pandemic has created a situation in which many travellers have not received refunds for cancelled trips. The Government is therefore now working on a proposal for government loans to package tour operators with the aim of enabling these operators to refund remaining debts to travellers. The proposal is based on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

The national strategy for a circular economy sets out the direction and ambition for a long-term and sustainable transition of Swedish society. The Government adopted the national strategy for a circular economy earlier this year. The strategy is now available in English. The strategy is based on an agreement between the Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

A transition of the society is required to achieve environmental and climate objectives, secure our welfare services and the competitiveness of the business sector and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Through this strategy the Government wants to stake out the direction of and ambition for this work. In addition to the strategy, action plans containing concrete measures will be adopted.The strategy is based on an agreement between the Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

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.

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.