The Swedish business sector has changed since the the Knowledge Foundation was established in 1994. Therefore, we have updated the requirements for co-financing business actors to include more types of businesses, such as public companies and international firms.
New criteria for co-financing business actors open doors to new collaborations
Globalisation, privatisation, and digitalization – the Swedish market has undergone profound changes in recent decades. The public sector has been reformed, and today, many publicly funded actors compete in the open market, such as healthcare companies and pharmacies. The proportion of foreign-owned companies in Sweden is also on the rise. In 2021, one in five employees in the business sector worked for a foreign-owned company, double the number in 1994.
In May, the Knowledge Foundation’s board approved a new, broader definition of the term “business actor” that better reflects the Swedish business landscape of today. Publicly funded companies and foreign firms are now included, among others.
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In order to strengthen Sweden's competitiveness, we must evolve with the times. With this new definition, the Knowledge Foundation can allocate funding in a way that delivers even greater impact.
Joakim Appelquist
Head of Strategic development and external relations
The new criteria for co-financing actors also include clarifications regarding smaller companies and research institutes. The aim is to simplify the process for applicants, evaluators, and the Knowledge Foundation staff.
“It will be interesting to see the long-term effects of these new criteria. With more industries now eligible, we might see an increase in applications from fields that are currently uncommon for the Knoledge Foundation” says Joakim.
Are you unsure about how the new criteria should be applied?
Contact us if you are unsure whether a potential project partner can be approved as a co-financier. We are happy to discuss the new criteria with applicants.