Sweden’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

Stockholm; February 2026: For the first time, Sweden now has an AI strategy that takes a comprehensive approach to AI issues. The aim is to derive the greatest possible benefit from AI, while managing the risks. The Swedish Government strives to drive responsible development with clear rules of the game that promote research, innovation and investment.

The government’s goals and ambitions for AI policy:

• Sweden should be among the top ten countries in the world in AI.
• The Nordic region should be a globally leading region in AI.
• Sweden should be the best in the world at using AI to increase cost-efficiency and improve quality and service in public administration.
• Good conditions for AI solutions will contribute to Sweden having world-leading entrepreneurs and competitive companies.
• AI should be used and developed to drive societal benefit, sustainable development, competitiveness and innovation.

The strategy is implemented through assignments, amendments to laws and regulations, budget decisions and collaboration forums. There is an associated action plan that specifies measures and responsibilities. The strategy is followed up annually.

AI for social benefit – AI should contribute to a long-term sustainable and secure society for all citizens and be used in both the private and public sectors. Therefore, simple, predictable, technology-neutral and appropriate rules related to AI are needed. At the same time, personal integrity, trade secrets, copyright and security interests need to be protected.

Access to high-quality data is crucial for AI development. The public and private sectors need to strengthen their ability to manage, share and use data. It is also important to take into account protection interests, such as the protection of sensitive information, cybersecurity and intellectual property rights. In addition, the strategic importance of common rules and guidelines, so-called standards, has increased. The government wants Sweden to participate actively in international work to influence standards that enable trade, innovation and increased digital inclusion.

AI is also of great importance for Sweden’s security and defence. Sweden needs to utilise AI to strengthen the protection of critical societal functions and safeguard both internal and external security. Therefore, cooperation within the EU and NATO is central. Sweden’s digital vulnerability must be reduced while ensuring access to secure technical platforms.

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

Sweden should be the best in the world at using AI in public administration. AI should improve the efficiency, quality and service of the administration, for example through shorter processing times and better decision-making support. It is important that the high level of trust in public administration is maintained. This is done by ensuring that data is handled securely and correctly and that ethical principles are always taken into account. In 2026, work will begin on establishing a national AI workshop for public administration. It should be fully developed by 2030 and will 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, where people are at the center. Therefore, AI must be designed in a way that protects democratic values, legal certainty and integrity. This means that transparency and accountability are crucial, especially in the exercise of authority and welfare services.

While AI can contribute to optimised resource use and support climate adaptation, the use of AI also increases the demand for energy and cooling. Therefore, the environmental impact needs to be minimised.

Sweden also needs to strengthen access to Swedish language models. This is to increase quality, cultural adaptation and Sweden’s digital sovereignty. The government wants to see increased access to training data while respecting current legislation on copyright and confidentiality.

AI is changing the labour market and lifelong learning and skills development are therefore a strategically important issue for the future. Sweden’s labour market model and transition system enable rapid and joint solutions. In addition, dialogue creates good conditions for seizing opportunities and identifying challenges that AI brings to working life and the labour market. The school system and higher education should equip individuals for a working and social life that includes digitalisation and AI. Schools should provide students in the higher grades with knowledge and understanding of both the risks and opportunities of AI. Furthermore, polytechnics and universities should offer shorter courses that meet the needs of the labour market.

AI for competitiveness and innovation – The government’s ambition is for the Nordic region to be a globally leading region in 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 act in support of the Swedish AI ecosystem. This means, among other things, facilitating investments, creating faster permit processes and better capital supply. Sweden will also strengthen its role in the AI ​​value chain, from raw materials and semiconductors to data centers and software technology.

To strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness, research and innovation linked to AI are crucial. The measures in the government’s research and innovation bill, which was presented at the end of 2024, strengthen excellent research, national research infrastructure and the use of AI. The government is investing, among other things, in national research schools and clusters of excellence in AI where world-leading research can be conducted. Sweden will also seize opportunities in space technology and quantum technology.

Team Maverick.