Sweden’s National Approach to Artificial Intelligence

Sweden aims to lead the global charge in harnessing the opportunities presented by digital transformation, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI). This strategy outlines the country’s approach to leveraging AI for economic growth, societal benefits, and enhanced public services.

Key Objectives

1. Strengthening Competitiveness and Welfare:
   • The government aims to position Sweden as a world leader in AI, enhancing national competitiveness and welfare.
   • AI has the potential to significantly contribute to various sectors, including healthcare, energy, transportation, and industrial production.
2. Creating Enabling Conditions:
   • Sweden seeks to create the necessary conditions for the successful implementation and use of AI.
   • This involves addressing ethical, safety, and security concerns, as well as ensuring transparency and reliability in AI systems.

Strategic Areas

1. Education and Training:
   • Enhancing AI education and training is crucial. This includes continuing education for professionals and integrating AI into non-technical programs to ensure a broad and responsible application of the technology.
   • There is a significant need for interdisciplinary knowledge to ensure ethical and sustainable AI use.
   • Lifelong learning opportunities are emphasised to keep up with rapid technological advancements.
2. Research:
   • Both basic and applied research in AI are vital. Strong research foundations will support innovative solutions and strengthen Sweden’s competitive edge.
   • Collaboration with international research environments and leveraging synergies between civil and defense research are crucial.
   • Major investments, such as the SEK 1 billion donation from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, are essential for advancing AI research.
3. Innovation and Use:
   • Encouraging pilot projects, testbeds, and environments for AI application development in both public and private sectors.
   • Managing the risks associated with AI, such as cyber-attacks and ethical concerns, through transparent and comprehensible AI algorithms.
   • Promoting partnerships and collaborations, especially within the EU, to enhance AI application and innovation.
4. Framework and Infrastructure:
   • Developing rules, standards, norms, and ethical principles to guide the responsible use of AI.
   • Ensuring access to data and computational infrastructure necessary for AI development.
   • Actively participating in EU efforts to promote digitisation and harness AI benefits while balancing privacy, ethics, and social protection.

Implementation

The successful implementation of this strategy requires collaboration across all sectors of society, including government bodies, academia, businesses, and public institutions. The focus is on creating a sustainable AI ecosystem that fosters innovation, addresses societal challenges, and enhances public services. By emphasising education, research, innovation, and robust frameworks, Sweden aims to realise the full potential of AI while mitigating associated risks.