How Sweden’s new innovation program aims to drive sustainable societal transformation

Getting involved early, staying informed, and following the programs’ own channels are my best tips

In front of a full audience, Johanna Gardeström, project coordinator at the Research Support and Collaboration Office, presented Sweden’s major innovation initiative for the 2030s: Impact Innovation.

Johanna Gardeström, project coordinator at the Research Support and Collaboration Office.

Image Monica Börlin

Both senior and early-career researchers attended the lunch seminar, organised by Umeå Transformation Research Initiative (UTRI), Arctic Centre, and Research Support and Collaboration Office.

An investment for societal transformation

Launched in 2024, Impact Innovation is a joint initiative by the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas, and Vinnova, commissioned by the government. The initiative spans five thematic areas with a total budget of approximately SEK 500 million over ten years.

The goal is to accelerate transformation through actor-driven innovation and interdisciplinary, cross-sector collaborations in strategically important areas.

Each program is led by a program office with a responsible organisation and several partners. Within each program, specific missions and funding calls are defined to address major societal challenges.

“What all programs have in common is a strong focus on governance, policy, technology, and behavior—these aspects are central to every program,” says Johanna Gardeström.

A new logic for researchers

For researchers, Impact Innovation represents a new way of working. Unlike traditional research funding calls, the focus is not on individual research projects but on research integrated into collaborative projects. The main applicants are often actors with the mandate and practical capacity to drive systemic change, for example  those who control a specific area, infrastructure, or operation. The application content is shaped jointly through dialogue among the parties involved.

Both senior and early career researchers gathered for the presentation.

Image Monica Börlin

“I believe we will see calls based on various forms of transformation labs where collaboration is central. That’s why having established networks and partnerships early in the process is an advantage. Many calls will also build on each other, so participating in smaller calls early on can increase the chances of securing funding in larger initiatives later,” says Johanna.

Although it may be time-consuming to understand the program logic and engage in networking, Johanna believes it is time well invested.

“There are many resources available for researchers interested in contributing to systemic transformation.”

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“Getting involved early, staying informed, and following the programs’ own channels are my best tips,” Johanna concludes.

Download the presentation material

Impact Innovation 15 May

Text translated to English by Monica Börlin.