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Innovation

The Gothenburg region is one of the world's most inventive and resourceful regions, and Sweden's innovation powerhouse. The region possesses a vibrant, growing business community with well-established collaboration focused on world-leading innovation and research.

The region boasts cutting-edge expertise in a range of industries, two top-ranked universities, research institutes such as SEEL, AI Innovation of Sweden and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, the national research institute and innovation partner, and a city that works actively at every level to address future societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

Gothenburg is a leading research region characterised by large knowledge-intensive companies and close collaboration between the private, public and academic sectors. The Gothenburg region is ranked as one of the most innovative regions in the EU, according to the European Commission, and in terms of patents per capita, Gothenburg is among the top 15 most inventive cities in the world.

In 2021, 1/3 of Sweden's total R&D investments within the private sector were made in Gothenburg's county, Västra Götaland, which is the highest among Swedish counties. It´s therefore fair to say that Gothenburg is the innovation powerhouse of Sweden.

In short – Gothenburg has a dynamic innovation climate that creates ideal conditions to make your concept a reality and to develop to meet the needs of a global market.

34 %

of Sweden's total R&D investments within the private sector

60

testbeds

A hotspot for innovation

Gothenburg is a real hotspot for innovation. Here are some of the reasons why!

Here are a few examples of inventions that have emerged from Gothenburg’s innovation hotbed over the years.

  • SKF's radial ball bearings
  • Volvo’s revolutionary three-point safety belt
  • Nobel laureate Arvid Carlsson's work with the neurotransmitter dopamine
  • Saab Surveillance's radar systems
  • Cellink's 3D printer for human tissue

We are here to help

If you are considering establishing, expanding or innovating in the region, our local experts can provide you with information, contacts and advice. Contact us today.

Henrik Einarsson
Director of Business Establishment and Investment
Area of work: Establishment Business climate Regional development
Area of concern: Management team Establish and invest
Maria Strömberg
Director Clusters & Innovation
Area of work: Cluster development Innovation Cleantech
Area of concern: Management team Clusters and innovation