Effort on clusters for world-leading research and innovation in cutting-edge technology

What is a cluster of excellence?

A cluster of excellence should have a bold vision in new, groundbreaking technology areas, take a significant position, strengthen Swedish business and, in the long term, contribute to making Sweden competitive, resilient and sustainable.

The government's idea is that a cluster of excellence should be a dynamic environment with international connectivity where researchers and companies collaborate to drive world-leading knowledge development and transform research results into practical applications and competitive innovations. In clusters, government funds can create a leverage effect together with other investments in research and innovation.

The assignment to Vinnova covers six technology areas that are strategically important for Sweden:

• Artificiell Intelligens (AI) and autonomous systems
• Advanced digital technology, including semiconductors
• Quantum technology
• Energy technology
• Materials and production technology
• Biotechnology

Visions as the first step

- Vinnova welcomes actors who want and can realize a scientific vision that leads to groundbreaking, competitive innovation, to formulate your vision for a cluster of excellence, mobilize the right actors and develop the plan to realize the vision, says Cecilia Sjöberg, director and head of division at Vinnova.

What should a world-leading excellent cluster for research and innovation consist of? How can you attract the very best the actors to the cluster? How do you need to lead and what steps do you need to take to realize the vision? These are important questions to answer.

Visions become important basis

The focus on clusters of excellence will be implemented in several stages, the next stage will open in 2026. Then the call for proposals for funding to establish a number of clusters of excellence will open. It is possible to participate in future efforts even if you do not apply for this call for proposals.

- The visions submitted in the first stage will be important basis for the design of the continued effort, says Cecilia Sjöberg.

- We are very curious about the interest in the venture. It will be interesting to hear what the actors think is important for success. We hope for many brave and well-thought-out visions.

Joint Programme Office

The Swedish Research Council and Vinnova are also tasked with creating a joint program office for the initiative on clusters of excellence. The office will work to coordinate and evaluation the initiatives, promote synergies, and support the initiative's high ambitions to create bold world-leading environments.

Background

The initiative was announced in the government's research and innovation bill. Vinnova and the Swedish Research Council have now been tasked with initiating initiatives as part of the initiative on clusters of excellence.

The initiative will be scaled up over time. By 2028, Vinnova will distribute over half a billion SEK per year within the framework of the initiative.