Vinnova

Vinnova is Sweden’s government agency for innovation and the development of Sweden’s innovation system. It operates under the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation and is based in Stockholm. The agency’s core mission is to fund and stimulate research and innovation activities that contribute to sustainable growth, competitiveness, and societal benefit in Sweden.

Vinnova finances and supports a range of activities, including research and development projects, demonstrations, and pilots that help bring new knowledge and technologies closer to market and public use. It emphasizes collaboration among industry, academia, and public sector actors, with an objective of translating ideas into practical applications and public value. The agency also promotes international collaboration, participating in European Union programs and other cross-border initiatives to strengthen Sweden’s innovation capacity.

In its governance and operations, Vinnova administers various funding programs and calls for proposals, assessing projects for potential impact, feasibility, and scalability. Its work is guided by national policy priorities and aims to align research excellence with societal needs, such as sustainable energy, digitalization, health, and smart public services. Vinnova also engages with stakeholders to identify needs in the innovation ecosystem and to help scale proven solutions.

History and context: Vinnova was established in 2001 as part of Sweden’s efforts to consolidate and strengthen public support for innovation. Since then, it has been a central actor in shaping Sweden’s research and innovation policy and in funding collaborations between universities, companies, and government entities.