In international comparisons, Sweden ranks at the absolute top in innovation, but it significantly lags in terms of cybersecurity. That’s why Sweden is now launching its first innovation hub for cybersecurity, targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises.
Sweden Secure Tech Hub is a collaboration between six of Sweden’s leading science parks specializing in tech and digitalization. With funding from Tillväxtverket, they will provide education, guidance, and expert assistance to companies in the regions of Skåne, Östergötland, Västra Götaland, Norrbotten, Blekinge, and Stockholm. The goal is to enhance the competitiveness of both small and large companies by providing a digital and/or physical meeting place where they can collectively improve their ability to create secure products, services, or solutions.
Many Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises lack the time and knowledge to secure their business practices and methods, which in turn affects their ability to develop secure products for their customers. In some cases, there is also a lack of understanding regarding why they should address this area.
Several reports to the government have noted that digital attacks are constantly occurring in Sweden. Companies are at risk of losing important data, such as customer registries, contracts, quotes, construction solutions, patents, and supplier registries, or experiencing production stoppages. Data breaches can be carried out by criminals and organizations with the intent to steal, extort, or otherwise harm the company, as well as by foreign powers seeking advanced technical information (industrial espionage) or sensitive data about Sweden.
“To succeed in digitization, it is important that companies have a good understanding of cybersecurity risks,” says Karin Bengtsson, CEO of Kista Science City. “We offer an opportunity for companies to increase their knowledge and ability to protect themselves from cyberattacks.”
Sweden Secure Tech Hub will offer small and medium-sized companies various activities aimed at raising their level and capability. Planned activities include needs assessments, networking events, training, seminars, as well as technical, financial, and legal expert assistance.
“Sweden Secure Tech Hub is a unique opportunity for small and medium-sized companies to access expertise and national networks,” says Emma Sturesson, project manager for Sweden Secure Tech Hub. “We offer a wide range of activities, from training and seminars to networking events and technical advice. Everything is free of charge for the companies.”
Emma Sturesson, Project Manager Sweden Secure Tech Hub
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If you want to learn more about Sweden Secure Tech Hub and how to participate in upcoming activities, you can contact:
Karin Bengtsson, CEO, Kista Science City Email: karin.bengtsson@kista.com Phone: +46 (0) 70 092 07 13
Emma Sturesson, Project Manager, Blue Science Park Email: emma.sturesson@bluesciencepark.se Phone: +46 (0) 76 136 82 06
Sweden ICT, the organization behind Sweden Secure Tech Hub, is a collaboration between six of Sweden’s leading science parks in tech and digitalization: Linköping Science Park, Lindholmen Science Park (Västsverige), Ideon Science Park (Lund), Kista Science City (Stockholm), Luleå Science Park, and Blue Science Park (Karlskrona). Together, they represent an ecosystem with over 2,400 companies and 59,000 employees.
Sweden Secure Tech Hub has been designated by the EU as a European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) and has been tasked with supporting and strengthening companies and society in their secure digitalization efforts.
The work is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Tillväxtverket, and Region Blekinge, in collaboration with the aforementioned partners.
