Vinnova is facing comprehensive reorganisation. The reason is that a new platform is needed to fulfil the State mandate to raise growth and prosperity in the whole of Sweden, through innovations coupled to research and development. The aim is to create new areas of contact. Instead of the organisation that has existed for ten years, with subdivisions into technical issues, activities and international work, these functions are now amalgamated into new industrial areas.
One of the aims of Vinnova is to bring about measurably greater and sustainable growth in Sweden. How is this to be measured and in what areas have you been successful? Which areas are the next in line?
- We make effect studies. Since research has long lead times, we only measure after a number of years after Vinnova had made an investment. This year we have had a look at small companies and product development. It is difficult to prove that our investments produce the effect we wish, but we can see that the impact on society is greater than the investment we had made. When we look at individual projects, there is a large range of activities which give a good return on our investments. We have many good examples of this in areas such as transport, forestry and the steel industry.
How much does Vinnova invest in need motivated research in Formas' areas: environmental and energy technology, and biotechnology? And how are these funds used in the best way?
- Well, what is environmental technology and what are IT projects? They are often the same thing. For example, we support a project in which silicon carbide is to reduce conversion losses in semiconductors. This will have a favourable effect on the environment in many fields of application. I want to say that at least one half of what Vinnova supports has a direct or indirect positive effect on the environment. What is important for us is that good ideas should be implemented and that important research results should come out into reality and used, because it is only then that the effects can be put to use.
In 2009, Vinnova invested a total of MSEK 150 on the development of new solutions for reducing climatic and environmental effects in a future sustainable society. Smart electric grids, bicycle friendly towns, environmental shipping and substitution products for coal and oil can in this way become reality. Almost 200 projects applied for a total of MSEK 1000. Why don't you invest more? Were the projects not quite good enough?
- We made a call for MSEK 150. And we would have been delighted if we had been able to provide more funds. This was a considerable proportion of the money for which we had made a call the previous year.
There are people who demand a climate-smart business sector in Sweden. What can Vinnova do to bring this about?
- We must take account of the environmental aspects in everything we do, in the same way that quality is a basis for everything that we do. I believe that environment also should look to the future!
In some technical areas there are research results that are waiting to be turned into commercial products. In many cases, the problem is poor access to risk capital for development and implementation. What is Vinnova doing regarding these issues?
- Our task is to try to ensure that all good ideas come out of the laboratory and benefit society. The funds we have in Sweden for this are far too small. We must, as a country, put in more resources for change. In the latest government bill for research and development, there was a well needed boost on the research side. But we still have no national strategy for the way this research is to generate growth in Sweden.
Nanotechnology has arrived at a breakneck pace and has been applied in practically all industries. The number of applications is increasing at a fast rate, and at the same time research on the risks of this technology is far behind. What do you think about this?
- I am not particularly worried about the risks. All new technologies have both advantages and drawbacks. We have been able to deal with these. Obviously it is essential to define the risks and to be aware of them.
In the area of life sciences, i.e. pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical technology, many countries are now developing strategies that are accompanied by strong measures to strengthen research, promote networking, commercialisation and innovations. In an international comparison, Sweden has a a large life science industry. The industry employs more than 40,000 people. But competition is getting harder. What is Vinnova doing about this?
- In the area of biotechnology, Sweden has been very active. In recent years large changes have however taken place. Now we only have one large industrial company and at the same time we have many small biotechnology companies. We should make use of our large public sector in health care to secure the future of these small biotechnology companies. Innovative procurement from the public sector is necessary in order to get research results out of the universities and to create environments in which the small companies can grow. This requires tax deductions for research and risk capital.
What is Vinnova's international involvement like? Do you invest in innovations for the low income markets of today, which will become the growth markets of tomorrow?
- If we are to invest in anything, it is solutions for Swedish companies to be able to grow. We must support companies so that they become successful in a global market. One example is electrification which is essential for creating prosperity in developing countries. There are a lot of things in which we would like to invest more. It is excellent that we can help poor countries while at the same time we create the conditions for businesses in Sweden.
Almost 150 female researchers who have recently been awarded their doctorates have the opportunity, over the period 2007-2014, to obtain research qualifications, thanks to Vinnova which, together with the EU Commission, pays more than one half of their salaries. The remainder is paid by the employer. The reason is that female researchers who have received their doctorates need better career opportunities. How has it been for the first batch that started in 2007?
- Three of those who received funds in the first round have been appointed professors!
Which Swedish industry do you think will in ten years' time be the most internationally competitive?
- It is impossible to say. Sweden has many strengths in the basic industry and also in new areas that are related to IT. We can also see that tourism has increased a lot, thanks to our large thinly populated natural areas. I hope that we can do well in the fields where we are good at present, and that we can identify some new areas which can help Sweden to develop prosperity.
In which areas would you like to see more research if you could choose?
- I wish that even if people are engaged on research they would not be frightened to get out of the laboratories and look at the reality around them. When one is working on research or development, it is essential to see the whole picture. We need more ways in which researchers can move about between different sectors in society, so that it is just as good a qualification to work two years in business as to have published five times in scientific journals. In the US, for instance, researchers can move between the university and the business sector during their careers. It is a great pity that this cannot be done in Sweden.
- I want to emphasise that everybody should be interested in turning research results into new products and companies. It is only through increased growth that we can get the funds to carry out more interesting research.