Sweden’s AI Strategy in five minutes

For the first time, Sweden now has an AI strategy that takes a comprehensive approach to AI issues. The Strategy aims to maximise the benefits of AI, while managing the risks. We need to drive responsible development with clear rules that promote research, innovation and investment.

The Government’s aims and ambitions for its AI policy:

• Positioning Sweden among the world’s top 10 countries in the field of AI;
• the Nordic region becoming a global leader in the field of AI;
• Sweden being the best in the world at using AI to improve cost-efficiency, quality and service in public administration;
• establishing good conditions for AI solutions to help Sweden have world-leading entrepreneurs and competitive companies; and
• AI being used and developed in pursuit of societal benefit, sustainable development, competitiveness and innovation.

The Strategy is implemented through assignments, legislative and regulatory amendments, budget decisions and collaboration forums. A complementary action plan sets out measures and responsibilities. The Strategy will be followed up on an annual basis.

AI for societal benefit

AI should contribute to a society that is sustainable and secure in the long term for all citizens, and be used in both the public and private sectors. Therefore, simple, predictable, technology-neutral and effective rules regarding AI are needed. At the same time, personal privacy, trade secrets, copyright and security interests must also be safeguarded.

Access to high-quality data is essential to the development of AI. The public and private sectors need to strengthen their ability to manage, share and use data. It is also important to consider interests that must be protected, such as sensitive information, cybersecurity and intellectual property rights. Moreover, the strategic importance of common rules and guidelines, i.e. standards, has increased. The Government wants Sweden to actively participate in international efforts to influence standards that enable trade, innovation and increased digital inclusion.

AI is also highly significant to Sweden’s security and defence. Sweden needs to use AI to enhance the protection of vital societal functions and safeguard both internal and external security. This is why cooperation within the EU and NATO is crucial. Sweden’s digital vulnerability must be reduced while ensuring access to secure technical platforms. 

Manipulation, polarisation and other risks associated with AI-generated disinformation in society need to be prevented. For this reason, it is important that the population has good media and information literacy. Law enforcement authorities also need to enhance their ability to understand and use AI to combat crime.

Sweden aims to be world-leading in the use of AI in public administration. The goal is for AI to improve the efficiency, quality and service of public administration, for example through shorter processing times and better decision support. It is important that the high level of trust in public administration is maintained. This is done by managing data securely and correctly, and always taking ethical principles into account. In 2026, work will begin on establishing a national AI workshop for public administration. The goal is for it to be fully operational by 2030, and offer common infrastructure and guidance, as well as opportunities to develop and share AI solutions.

Sustainable development

AI should contribute to a safe and sustainable society based on respect for the individual. Therefore, AI must be designed so that democratic values, legal certainty and privacy are safeguarded. This means that transparency and accountability are crucial, especially in the exercise of public authority and welfare services.

While AI can contribute to optimised resource use and support climate adaptation, the use of AI also drives up demand for energy and cooling. Environmental impacts therefore need to be minimised. Sweden also needs better access to Swedish language models. This is to increase quality, cultural adaptation and Sweden’s digital sovereignty. The Government wants to see greater access to training data while respecting current legislation on copyright and confidentiality.

AI is changing the labour market. Lifelong learning and skills development is therefore strategically important for the future. Sweden’s labour market model and transition systems enable rapid and common solutions. In addition, dialogue creates favourable conditions to capitalise on opportunities and identify challenges that AI entails in working life and in the labour market. Schools and higher education must equip individuals for a working and civic life that includes digitalisation and AI. Schools must provide pupils in higher school years with knowledge and understanding of both the risks and opportunities of AI. Furthermore, higher vocational education and universities should offer shorter courses that meet the needs of the labour market.

AI for competitiveness and innovation

The Government wants to see the Nordic region become a global leader in the field of AI. Good conditions for AI development and use will contribute to Sweden having world-leading entrepreneurs and competitive companies. The Government will therefore continue to support the Swedish AI ecosystem. This includes facilitating investment, faster permit processes and better capital supply. Sweden also aims to strengthen its role in the AI value chain – from raw materials and semiconductors to data centres and software technology.

Research and innovation linked to AI are vital to create jobs and strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness. The measures in the Government’s research and innovation bill, which was presented at the end of 2024, strengthen excellent research, domestic research infrastructure and the use of AI. The Government is investing in research institutions and excellence clusters in AI where world-leading research can be conducted. Sweden also aims to capitalise on opportunities in space technology and quantum technology.