Sweden losing momentum globally in AI development

According to the latest available Global AI Index (GAII), Sweden ranks 25th globally. The AI Commission's report (SOU 2025:12) confirms that Sweden has lost ground in global AI development.

The AI Commission in Sweden is a committee appointed by the government to identify needs and propose measures that can contribute to sustainable and secure development and use of artificial intelligence in Sweden.

Sweden's ranking in sub-areas:

Operational environment: 5th place (strongest area, high trust, and stable rules)
Talent: 15th place (good but not top)
Research: 19th place
Infrastructure: 21st place
Commercialization: 18th place
Development: 30th place (weak, innovation, and product development)
Political governance/strategy: 57th place (clear weakness)

The Swedish AI-Commission emphasizes that Sweden must strengthen political leadership, investments, and coordination. With the proposed measures, it is estimated that Sweden can realistically reach the top 10 in the GAII by 2030.

In another ranking by KPMG

Sweden is placed 35th out of 47 in terms of corporate culture, responsible AI use, and clear AI strategy. Countries like India, China, and the United Arab Emirates are at the top.

Despite this, there is a high adoption of AI in small and medium-sized enterprises in Sweden. Sweden invests 0.11% of its GDP in AI, which is significantly less than many comparable countries. Finland and Denmark's investments are higher, for example. Nevertheless, Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises have a relatively high use of AI: 24% have implemented AI solutions, which is more than in other Nordic countries except for Denmark.

What must Sweden do to climb in the Global AI competition?

Sweden has lost ground in AI globally in recent years and is now in the middle or just below in global comparisons. There is great potential thanks to data quality and digital infrastructure, but to regain an internationally strong position, increased investment, clearer national strategy, and coordinated efforts from both the public and private sectors are required, according to the CEO of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA).