For the first time ever, the strategy takes a holistic approach to how Sweden as a country works with AI. This will create better conditions for businesses, research and the public sector to capitalise on the possibilities of the technology. Under the strategy, Sweden will drive development for responsible and secure AI and push for stable international rules.

The new strategy takes a coordinated and strategic approach to AI issues. At the same time, there will be a focus on mitigating existing risks and protecting personal privacy, copyright and security.

“Sweden aims to be a leader in AI, which is why it’s important that we take a comprehensive approach to AI issues. We need to increase the use of new technology within broad segments of society, not least the public sector. This can improve the social welfare system, increase our technological independence with respect to other parts of the world, and contribute to our country developing key expertise in new technologies,” says Minister for Public Administration Erik Slottner.

Practical difference for citizens, businesses, researchers and government agencies

The new strategy lays the foundations for the entire country to be able to capitalise on new technologies. This will be noticeable in major segments of society.

• Higher quality and effective service from government agencies. Through measures such as an AI workshop, AI and data-related assignments to more than 100 government agencies, and a new act on efficient data-sharing within public administration.
• Better conditions for businesses to use AI. This includes measures such as simplified rules and permit processes, and additional funding to the Advanced Digitalisation programme.
• World-class research. During this electoral period, the Government has made Sweden’s largest-ever investment in research, with a major focus on AI.

The Government’s objective for its AI policy is for Sweden to be among the top ten countries in this field. AI should be used and developed in pursuit of societal benefit, sustainable development, competitiveness and innovation. Sweden also aims to be world-leading in the use of AI in public administration.

The Strategy also presents several new measures that the Government intends to take in order to meet its objectives. These include the following.

• Appointing a national AI coordinator for Swedish language models, through which the Government will coordinate relevant actors concerned with issues such as rights.
• Presenting a legislative proposal that will facilitate data sharing between government agencies.
• Prioritising AI in innovation and research cooperation with other countries.
• Supporting the expansion of subsea cables that connect the Nordic region to North America and the Indo-Pacific region.
• Starting a collaborative platform called Team Sweden AI, which will strengthen Sweden’s position in AI internationally.

The strategy will be followed up on an annual basis

The strategy is divided into three areas: (1) societal development, (2) sustainable development and (3) competitiveness and innovation. Together, these areas cover everything from the labour market and education to rules simplification, energy and defence, to the business sector, entrepreneurship and research.

The strategy is accompanied by an action plan consisting of implemented and planned measures. The Agency for Digital Government and the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority have been tasked with following up the strategy, analysing AI developments in Sweden and proposing any necessary measures to achieve the objectives of the strategy.

Source: government.se