This will determine Sweden’s future (so we must act now)

In the fight for voters, it’s important to be clear – more police, more time for teachers to put students, shorter waiting lists, stronger defense, save the planet. There are many heart problems for Swedish voters and many societal challenges that need to be addressed. Compromise with the importance of digitization seems almost tenuous on the “real” issues.

Digitization may be an outdated concept. But the truth is that we have entered a new stage of development where technology will be an even more important lever. Regardless of where you are politically, investing in new technologies is fundamental to what we want in Sweden in 3, 5 and 10 years.

Investing in digitization is the prerequisite, not a costly distraction. So let’s find out what the digitization of 2022 means.

Last year, the four authorities, Fenova, the Swedish Digital Governance Agency (DIGG), the Swedish Post and Telecommunications Agency (PTS) and the Swedish Research Council published a comprehensive and worthwhile report focusing on how Sweden needs to join forces with the next wave of digitalisation. They refer to new technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, nanotechnology, 5G/6G; the importance of modern data infrastructure; The need to invest in relevant education, cutting edge competencies and research as well as increasing general knowledge among authorities and public administration.

The relevant and experienced Swedish authorities state that we need to invest at least 5.5 billion annually. They express themselves, among other things, in terms of “It is a crucial question in many ways for Sweden’s competitiveness and prosperity to what extent we have succeeded in transforming the skills we now face, both in business and in public activities.”

As other countries roll up our sleeves, we ourselves are quietly in the boat without realizing that the world has entered a new digital age.

The way countries invest in new technologies will determine their competitiveness and whether they hold the general economic equation together. A new digital toolbox will also be essential to the success of the green transition. While countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, Finland, Estonia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, France, the United States, and Canada have already rolled up our sleeves, we ourselves are quietly staying in the boat without realizing that the world has entered a new digital age. Instead, we pat ourselves on the back and feel very proud that we have historically been pioneers in internet, fiber and mobile applications. But! The fact that Sweden has historically been at the forefront – and that we continue to offer a very successful “unicorn” – does not mean that our society and public sector are aligned with that. Reports from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, among other things, put us at the bottom of the list compared to other member states when it comes to important standards such as the data-driven public sector and transparent functioning as a standard. Components that are critical if we want to be able to work successfully with AI, for example.

We need to let go of the idea that Sweden is ahead

So we need to let go of the idea that Sweden is at the forefront and keep in mind that as a country we have a lot of work to do. Without investments in said technologies, we move at half speed, idle, with one hand tied behind our back.

Our main message is that digitization today involves much more technologies than ever before – including artificial intelligence. But also quantum computers, blockchains, AR/VR, biotechnology, nanotechnology, 5G/6G, 3D printing, IoT, robotics and more.

The countdown to the elections has begun. Which Sweden is what we want to move forward? How do our political parties want to invest in the next wave of digitalization to build a competitive, sustainable and secure Sweden? How do we plan to combine the economic equation so that our tax money can cover public spending? We believe that we must follow the example of our neighbors and take action to continue a functioning society. Read: Invest as our wise authorities suggest.

Technology is not a place to invest in education, healthcare, crime, and sustainability. It is the most effective way to realize our ambitions for students, teachers, police and the planet. clear enough?

Aurore Belfrage, Angel Investor, AI Sweden Consultant and Starter SusTechable.com

Judith Woolst, digital strategist, author of “Digital Panik” and founder of Sustechable.com