Through this measure, we are strengthening Sweden's security, economic security, and Sweden's long-term competitiveness, says Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M).
Since the end of last year, a regulatory framework has been in place to review foreign direct investments in Swedish companies and potentially prohibit them if they pose a security risk. The review is conducted by the Inspectorate for Strategic Products, ISP.
Broad scope
Now, the government is giving the Total Defense Research Institute, FOI, the task of assisting ISP with its technical expertise to map out cutting-edge technology in Swedish companies that need to be protected from hostile foreign ownership.
This may involve socially critical technology, for example, for green transition. It may concern technology that can be used both civically and militarily. For example, algorithms linked to AI.
So, it's a broad scope of technologies that will need to be reviewed, says Jonson.
Swedish legislation does not target specific countries, but Russia, China, and Iran have been identified as engaging in systematic intelligence gathering and security-threatening activities against Sweden.
Strategic acquisitions
According to the military intelligence service, Must, China is acquiring high-tech capabilities through strategic acquisitions, among other means.
We can establish that there is an increased intelligence threat against Sweden, says Jonson.
Therefore, we need to build stronger resistance to this, not least when it comes to foreign direct investments.
A foreign actor who wants to invest in certain socially critical or security-sensitive activities must notify ISP. So far, ISP has decided to review 20 cases. No investment has been prohibited yet, but two have been approved with conditions.
To carry out its new task, FOI will receive an additional four million kronor next year.
