An innovative force in a sustainable world

When we work on sustainable transition, we look at climate, social and economic perspectives to use innovation to meet future challenges for the planet and in our lifestyle.

Innovation is not just about creating new products and services, but also about developing the way we work and live. Sweden's competitiveness is based on our ability to develop innovations that meet needs and contribute to solutions to global challenges. If we can change habits and behaviors through innovative ideas, we create the conditions for a better society for everyone. Together, we can make a sustainable difference through innovation.

To achieve this, Vinnova supports and promotes the complex ecosystem of different actors that drive innovative development in Sweden and internationally. To drive the transition forward Vinnova with internationally leading actors. We use scientifically based and data-driven methods to efficiently and quality-assuredly establish new innovative project.

Funding of project that contribute to sustainability

When you apply funding from us, we often ask you to explain how your project or innovation will contribute to sustainable transition. Each call for proposals has a specific aim where the conditions and expectations are explained in the call text.
All project we fund are expected to contribute in some way to specific milestones in Agenda 2030. A description of the milestones is provided in the call text. The milestone is followed up in the first report submitted by the funded project. In this way, the project we fund contribute to a sustainable transition.

"Our goal is to reconcile the economy with our planet, to reconcile the way we produce, the way we consume, with our planet and to make it work for our people. The European Green Deal is on the one hand about cutting emissions, but on the other hand about creating jobs and boosting innovation.”

Ursula von der Leyen, EU Kommissionens Chairman

Sustainability as a driver for innovation

Increased consumption and demand for energy have led to the crossing of several of the Earth's boundaries. A sustainable transition is urgent. The stability and resilience of the Earth's systems and human well-being are inextricably linked. The interaction between the three dimensions of sustainability, economic, environmental and social, is more important than ever.

In our interpretation of sustainable transition, we base our approach on the definition given in the Brundtland Report from 1987: "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Vinnova works to radically reduce humanity's negative impact on the planet, while ensuring economic and social sustainability. To meet sustainability challenges, we use internationally recognized frameworks, such as the UN's Agenda 2030 and Kate Raworths's doughnut economy. Both point the way towards a socially sustainable society within the limits of the planet.

To manage the transition, it is important that no one is left out. To succeed in this, social inclusion is required. Innovation system and funded solutions must be open and must be carried out in collaboration with relevant target groups.

Vinnova's prioritized sustainability perspective

To contribute to the sustainable transition, Vinnova prioritizes two perspectives: gender equality and climate transition. All initiatives and project we fund are assessed based on how they contribute to these perspectives.

Gender equality

Gender equality between women and men is one of our most powerful tools for achieving the goals of Agenda 2030. We need to harness the experiences, skills and knowledge of the entire population to fully exploit society's innovation potential. Through the distribution of funds and project results, we contribute to increased gender equality.

Read more about equal funding of innovation

Climate change

We can already see the negative effects of a changing climate and it will get worse in the future. Vinnova supports the transformative process required to achieve the goal of reducing Sweden's greenhouse gas emissions, as well as strengthening Sweden's resilience to the negative effects of climate change.

Vinnova finances project within several issues linked to the climate transition. Some examples of climate-adapted measures may be:

• infrastructure that increases resilience to torrential rain and flooding
• building materials that are more robust for extreme weather conditions
• Drones that can help fight forest fires.

Links for further reading about innovation for sustainable transition:

Government website about Agenda 2030
The United Nations Development Programme website on Agenda 2030 – the Global Goals
Doughnut Economics Action Lab
The Brundtland Report in its entirety (English)