The level of ambition is set in the government's STEM strategy, which Education Minister Johan Pehrson (L) presented on Monday.
STEM is an abbreviation of the English words science, technology, engineering and mathematics, i.e. natural sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics. Here, Sweden must strengthen its position, according to the government. More specialists and researchers must be trained.
From preschool
The interest must be awakened early, otherwise Sweden risks falling behind in the international innovation race, says Johan Pehrson at the press conference.
This means higher levels of ambition already in elementary school. Today, math is not Swedish schools' strongest subject, on the contrary. In the latest PISA measurement, 27 percent performed at a low level and only 10 percent at a high level. The government is now setting a goal to increase the proportion of high-performing students to 15 percent by 2033.
The delegation continues
Furthermore, the government wants every fourth upper secondary school student, i.e. 25 percent, to read either the natural science or technical program. Today, the proportion is around 20 percent.
At the university level, the number of students in STEM education is to increase from approximately 80,000 to 90,000, including basic training programs. Johan Pehrson points out that the proportion of women should increase. Of all those who take an engineering degree today, only one-third are women.
It is a loss for Sweden that we do not utilize the competence of all talents. It is also an equality issue, says Pehrson.
To realize the goals, the government is appointing a STEM delegation. Pia Sandvik, CEO of Teknikföretagen, will be its chairman.
Pia Sandvik, CEO Teknikföretagen (chairman)
Jens Bjelvenmark, teacher Gullmarsgymnasiet
Preeti Gahlawat, teacher Rödabergsskolan
Selma Hodzic, chairman Girls in STEM
Jonatan Lamy, chairman Sveriges elevkårer
Ulrika Lindstrand, union chairman Sveriges Ingenjörer
Sara Mazur, executive member Wallenbergsstiftelsen
Martin Nilsson Jacobi, rector Chalmers tekniska högskola
Peter Skogh, museum director Tekniska museet
Anna Valtonen, rector Konstfack
Magnus Wallerå, director-general Myndigheten för yrkeshögskolan
Marcus Wandt, astronaut
Source: Ministry of Education
