The Government presented the research bill for 2025-2028 on Thursday.
It is already clear that the allocation level within the framework of the bill will have increased by 6.5 billion kronor by 2028 and subsequent years. For 2025, the increase will be 1.5 billion.
Pehrson emphasized the need to prioritize cutting-edge research.
It is cutting-edge research that makes Sweden relevant. We dare to prioritize the best researchers and the best research instead of just investing in breadth, says Pehrson.
The Government's direction is to allocate the direct research grants to universities and colleges, the basic grants, to a greater extent to achieve higher quality in research.
Groundbreaking Research
The Government also wants to prioritize groundbreaking technology, such as quantum technology, biotechnology, and AI, and new strategic research areas, such as space, polar regions, and metals and minerals.
Pehrson gave several examples of how the supplements will be used. From 2028, the Research Council will receive an additional 1.4 billion for, among other things, the expansion of excellence centers and research programs for groundbreaking research.
More than 400 million kronor will also go towards advanced research infrastructure, such as the further development of the MAX IV, ESS, and SciLifeLab facilities.
The Government also wants to allocate more money to research that solves major societal challenges. From 2028, for example, an additional 600 million will go towards life science and health.
Are the Allocations Enough?
To promote groundbreaking technology, more than 500 million kronor will go towards strategic technology areas via Vinnova from 2028.
The allocations in the research bill will total 43 billion kronor by 2028. However, the state also finances research in other ways. Before Christmas, the Government will also present an energy research bill.
When asked if the investments are enough to compete with the world's best research countries, Pehrson responds.
In some areas, we will definitely be able to do so.
Anja Haglund/TT
Peter Wallberg/TT
Facts: This is how big the supplements to research will be
TTTT
2025: 1.5 billion
2026: 2.5 billion
2027: 4 billion
2028: 6.5 billion
Source: Budget bill
