The future is something we shape – not wait for

At a time of rapid development and growing climate challenges, Vinnova Director General Darja Isaksson emphasises that the future is something we shape – not wait for.

In the run-up to Science Week and Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag 2025, Vinnova wants to mobilise Sweden’s innovation system to take the next decisive step – towards global leadership, scalable solutions and collaboration that strengthen both Europe and Sweden’s competitiveness.

What do you from Vinnova particularly want to contribute during this year’s Science Week and Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag?

– In a time of geopolitical turmoil, disruptive technology and escalating climate uncertainty, we need to remind ourselves that the future is not just happening – it is being shaped. By our choices, our ability to work together and our innovative power. We want to inspire collaboration that strengthens Europe’s competitiveness – and Sweden’s role as an enabler. Not just in technology, but in ways of working that drive system innovation,” says Darja Isaksson.

With one year to go until the elections, what issues should be high on the political agenda from an innovation perspective?

– Europe needs to close the innovation gap and accelerate the transition. Sweden can and should take a leading position in this. We need leadership that takes responsibility for the future, stronger conditions for new innovative companies to grow in Sweden, and access to expertise, technology, testing infrastructure and the ability to take risks together.

Why is it important to bring together business, the public sector, academia and civil society as Science Week and Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag 2025 do?

– System change requires system participation. The major challenges we face – from security of supply to climate change adaptation – cannot be solved in silos. They require co-creation between different competences, mandates and drivers. Science Week and Innovation Riksdag are not just arenas for inspiration – they are platforms for an ecosystem that gathers power. When we come together across sectoral boundaries, we can build trust, share goals and coordinate resources – accelerating innovation that might otherwise get stuck in fragmentation or inertia.

What do you see as the most crucial actions to strengthen Sweden’s innovation capacity in the coming years?

– Sweden has a lot to build on, but also a lot to gain from getting to the next level. Initiatives that are particularly important now are: clusters of excellence with global ambition, strengthened support systems and long-term innovation programmes. By building on what we have and daring to take ambitious next steps, we choose to proactively shape the future role of Sweden and Europe in the world.