An Innovative and Creative Region

In relation to its population, Sweden is one of the leading nations in the world in terms of new patent applications. Even in absolute figures, Sweden and Stockholm are global leaders. This is the result of an innovative and creative business climate.
 
Stockholm is one of the strongest metropolitan regions in Europe within technology and the innovation climate. The percentage of employees in the high-tech service sector, the percentage of employees with a science and technology background, and the research and development investments’ percentage of the gross regional product are among the highest in the EU.

The region’s strong position is partly due to its industrial structure, with many large and research-intensive companies. Companies also represent most investments in research and development (R&D). The region’s companies are also good at taking out patents. In this respect, Stockholm is one of the top ten regions in Europe. In terms of patents per inhabitant, Stockholm is a world leader and second only to Switzerland, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO.

The World Knowledge Competitiveness Index for 2008 compares 145 regions based on how they perform within 19 knowledge economic benchmarks, including education, financing, patents and innovation. Stockholm advanced in the 2008 ranking, moving up two places to sixth position. The background to this advancement is continued improvement in a number of areas – specifically the private sector’s R&D expenditure, biotechnology and investments in higher education.

Do you want to know more about the technology and the innovation climate in Stockholm, contact us here: