Policies for science: The case of Sweden

Abstract

A brief account is given of the Swedish research system and policies with a particular focus on the process for setting priorities in research, coordination of research, and science advice. A comparison is made between the Swedish model and the practices of several other OECD countries. Typical of Sweden is the separate granting of resources for research and for higher education. There are priority areas of research in Sweden, but resources for such areas are rather small compared to resource allocations for general basic research. The Prime Minister's Office coordinates research policy and plays an important role in preparing the Research Bill, which is presented to parliament every three years. The Research Advisory Board is a mechanism for science advice and a forum of informal consultation on scientific matters. It is argued that governments should rely on many sources for advice on priorities and that an essential role of governments is to create an S&T system which works satisfactorily. OECD reviews on S&T policies are helpful in this respect. Governments also have an important role to play in investments in large-scale facilities and in international cooperation. Evaluation of national and international research efforts is an important policy-making tool.