Från behov till verklighet: varför fastnar försvarsinnovation i Sverige?

On Thursday 25 June, we will take part in Skånes Innovationsarena in a large tent at Hamnplan, in a unique collaboration with AMYNA, Biotech Heights, Ideon Science Park, Lunds kommun, Malmö University, Medeon Science Park, Medicon Village, Region Skåne and Science Village Scandinavia.

At 15:00-16:00, there will be a seminar in Swedish on "Från behov till verklighet: varför fastnar försvarsinnovation i Sverige?", hosted by AMYNA/Ideon Science Park. Please note that the program and its speakers/panelists might be updated before it takes place – updated program in the official program for Almedalsveckan.

Seminar focus

Needs-driven innovation has become something of a mantra within the defence sector. In practice, however, it risks becoming both narrow and slow. When needs are defined in advance – often by large organisations with established ways of working – there is a risk that we overlook the unexpected: disruptive solutions emerging from small, agile companies.

Needs-driven innovation has become a guiding principle within the defence sector. Yet in practice, it can risk limiting both speed and creativity. When requirements are predetermined – often by major organisations with established processes – disruptive innovations from smaller, fast-moving companies may never gain visibility.

At the same time, many innovative companies struggle to enter the defence sector at all. They often do not know who to approach, how procurement processes work, or how to connect with the major prime contractors. The pathways in remain unclear.

How can we create a defence innovation system that is both needs-driven and open to the unexpected?

Topics for discussion include:

• What do we actually mean by “needs-driven innovation” in a defence context?
• When does needs-based governance become a barrier to innovation?
• What is required for smaller companies to work with the defence sector in a meaningful way?
• How can prime contractors and start-ups collaborate without becoming trapped in process-heavy structures?
• Who should take responsibility for the interface between the public sector, prime contractors, and start-ups?

Speaker/panel members

• Daniel Persson, Head of Amyna, Ideon Science Park
• Mats Wicksell, Business Area Manager, SAAB Naval
• Robert Limmergård, Secretary General, Säkerhets- och försvarsföretagen
• Sebastian Merlöv, CEO, Sweden Dynamics

Skånes Innovationsarena is a joint effort by the prominent companies and organisations involved, as a continuation of the former Öresundshuset, with the aim of raising awareness of all the fantastic things happening in our part of the country while showcasing the power of collaboration between academia, industry and the public sector.

During Almedalsveckan 2026 Medicon Village also organise Life Science-dagen on Wednesday 24 June.

For more information on Skånes Innovationsarena, please contact mikael.lagerwall@mediconvillage.se.