Näringsdepartementets

Näringsdepartementet, or the Ministry of Enterprise, was a Swedish government ministry responsible for policies related to business, industry and market development, entrepreneurship, and related economic matters. Its remit often included industrial policy, competition and consumer affairs, and aspects of energy and telecommunications policy, with the aim of promoting growth, sustainable development and a competitive economy. The ministry acted as a coordinating body for economic policy and was led by a Minister for Enterprise, supported by a State Secretary and a permanent secretary within the department.

Historically, Näringsdepartementet has existed in several forms and under different names since the 19th century, such as Näringsdepartementet and Närings- och handelsdepartementet. Its exact responsibilities have shifted through cabinet reforms, and its functions have at times been merged with or redistributed to other ministries, including those focusing on finance, energy, or trade. Because of these reorganizations, the ministry’s size and portfolio varied between governments.

Organization and functions typically included oversight of agencies and programs related to business development, competition policy, SME support, industrial policy, and regulation of markets affecting enterprises and consumers. The ministry also played a role in shaping regulatory frameworks, procurement policies, and regional economic development strategies.

In Swedish usage, the ministry’s name is Näringsdepartementet. The possessive form Näringsdepartementets is used when attributing policies or actions to the ministry, for example in discussions of its objectives or initiatives. The exact scope and existence of Näringsdepartementet have varied with government structure over time.