Annual Report 2008 - IVA

9
sweden has a long tradition of innovation.
According to the European Commission’s
Innovation Index, Sweden is No. 1 in the world
at innovation. However, the same study shows
that we are not as good at commercialising
innovations.
As a result of the recession and the financial
crisis, we are facing great challenges. Innovation,
research and technological development are of
utmost importance if we are to pull ourselves
out of the tough situation that is affecting the
entire world. Many of the solutions to environmental
problems, energy efficiency and other
great challenges will be found in our ability
to believe and invest in innovations. Research
grants and venture capital are essential in order
for innovation to progress to entrepreneurship,
commercialisation and businesses.
During the year IVA ran and concluded several
research and innovation projects. One major
task was giving input to the Government’s
research bill. The Academy’s divisions also
arranged numerous seminars on the theme.
In discussions within the framework of IVA’s
projects, seminars and other meetings, we are
continuing to seek innovative solutions in the
interface between Academia and the business
community.