Sweden sets out national quantum strategy for the next decade

Sweden has launched a national strategy for quantum technology, setting out a long-term plan to strengthen research, industry, talent development, security and international cooperation. The strategy, which runs to 2036, positions quantum technology as a driver of economic growth, societal benefit and national security, with expected effects across healthcare, energy, materials science, cybersecurity, navigation, finance and defence.

The government’s plan builds on Sweden’s established research strengths and innovation capacity, but it also acknowledges that the country needs stronger coordination between public authorities, private companies, universities, research environments and financiers. The strategy follows recommendations and analysis involving the Swedish Research Council, Vinnova, researchers, businesses, authorities and international partners, and aims to move Sweden from a strong but fragmented research base toward a more coordinated national quantum ecosystem.

The strategy sets five national goals for 2036, each covering a separate part of Sweden’s quantum technology agenda.

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1. Strong research, innovation and industrial leadership

A central part of the plan is to make Sweden a world leader in quantum research, innovation and commercialization. The Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology is already developing a quantum computer, while initiatives such as the Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform and Chalmers Next Labs are intended to connect research more closely with industry. The strategy also points to the need for stronger research infrastructure, including cleanroom laboratories and access to major facilities such as MAX IV and the European Spallation Source for materials research.

Swedish universities have already helped generate startups in areas such as cryogenic electronics, quantum processors, photonics and quantum algorithms, but the government notes that these deep-tech companies often face long development cycles and high capital requirements. To address this, the strategy encourages early industry involvement, greater use of research and technology infrastructures, more testbeds for commercialization and increased private investment in quantum technology.

2. Competitive talent development

Talent development is another major priority. Sweden aims to attract and retain leading researchers and engineers, including international specialists and more women in the field. Graduate schools, postdoctoral programmes and industry-linked doctoral positions are expected to play an important role, while the country’s 2025 STEM strategy is intended to strengthen science and technology education at all levels, increase completion rates and improve gender equality.

The quantum strategy calls for more graduate schools connected to quantum research environments, more national and international doctoral and postdoctoral opportunities, better retention in technical programmes and broader communication of quantum knowledge to decision-makers and the public.

3. Effective coordination among authorities, academia, industry and innovation ecosystems

The government also wants to improve coordination across Sweden’s quantum ecosystem so that research can move more quickly toward industrial application. Sweden has strengths in quantum computing, supercomputing, sensors and communications, but the strategy says maintaining leadership will require stronger collaboration among universities, companies, public agencies and innovation environments. Smaller companies in particular may need support as they face financing challenges and difficulties entering markets. The goal is to increase cooperation across the full innovation chain and accelerate research, investment and commercialization.

4. Protection of strategic quantum technologies and responsible application

Security is treated as a core element of the strategy. The government warns that sensitive quantum technologies must be protected from research theft, industrial espionage and accidental exposure, even as Sweden continues to support openness and responsible international collaboration where appropriate. Work is under way on guidelines for responsible internationalization, secure innovation processes and cybersecurity tools.

Quantum-safe cryptography is identified as a priority, including both Quantum Key Distribution and Post Quantum Cryptography, as future quantum computers could threaten current encryption systems. The strategy calls for Swedish actors to be active and trusted partners in international research and quantum security collaborations, and for better coordination and information sharing between civil and military stakeholders.

5. Active participation in international collaborations

International cooperation is presented as essential to Sweden’s ambitions. The country is involved in Nordic, European and global quantum initiatives, including the Nordic Quantum working group, EuroQCI and the anticipated EU Quantum Act. Bilateral agreements, such as the Technology Prosperity Deal with the United States, are expected to create opportunities for research and commercial collaboration.

Sweden also participates in multilateral forums including the Multilateral Dialogue on Quantum and the Quantum Development Group, where issues such as research security, investment security and resilient supply chains are discussed. NATO membership is expected to provide further opportunities for collaboration on quantum security and innovation. The strategy calls for Sweden to promote open and secure international standards, strengthen Nordic, Baltic and EU-level coordination, build bilateral and multilateral partnerships outside the EU, and use international cooperation to attract talent and access global research facilities.

Implementation will require long-term planning and regular evaluation, the strategy says, because quantum technology is developing rapidly and policy will need to adapt as the field changes. Agencies such as Vinnova are expected to develop knowledge bases and roadmaps to support government oversight and future decisions.

The government plans to use agency assignments and regular follow-up to keep the strategy relevant and effective. Overall, Sweden’s national quantum technology strategy offers a detailed framework for research, innovation, skills development, security and global collaboration, with the aim of strengthening the country’s position as a knowledge nation, improving national security and supporting future economic growth.