A chapter by Charles entitled “A holistic innovation policy – why, what and how?” (in Swedish “En helhetlig innovationspolitik – varför, vad och hur?”) was published in an edited volume last July 1st in Almedalen. The book is entitled “Position Sweden – on innovation, sustainability and labor market – a debate anthology” (In Swedish “Position Sverige – Om innovation, hållbarhet och arbetsmarknad – en debattantologi”), it is edited by Mats Ögren Wanger and it is published by Ekerlids Förlag.
About the book (translated from Swedish):
Without new innovations and constant renewal, companies and the Swedish welfare will not survive. Today, competitors may pop up at any time and any place in the world.
We in Sweden were once famous for our inventions, but now we have too few profitable innovations compared to many other countries despite large investments in research and development. The phenomenon is known as “The Swedish Paradox”. This is a serious problem in a time where growth and prosperity are created by high-tech SMEs.
In the coming decades, the number of profitable innovations will be crucial in determining if a country will be booming or stagnating. For the countries that fall into stagnation awaits unemployment, alienation and difficulties to support an aging population.
The future is in our hands. An innovation-friendly and sustainable society requires strong fundamentals. Politics, business and education must work together to capitalize on the diversity and lead Sweden to a land of opportunity for all citizens. If we face our best time or not depends on one thing; is it easy or difficult to realize new ideas?
In this debate anthology gives Stefan Löfvén, Annie Lööf, Johan Rockström, Anna Ryott, Larry Leksell and other leading scholars, commentators and business profiles their view of Sweden’s major fateful question: How can we regain our position as the world’s leading innovative country?
Publication information:
Edquist, C. (2014, July). En helhetlig innovationspolitik – varför, vad och hur? (A holistic innovation policy – why, what and how? – in Swedish). In Wanger, M. O. (Ed.), Position Sverige – Om innovation, hållbarhet och arbetsmarknad – en debattantologi (Position Sweden – On innovation, sustainability and labour market – A debate anthology – in Swedish) (pp. 59-80). Stockholm, Sweden: Ekerlids Förklad.
ISBN: 978-91-87391-163
You can download the chapter by clicking here.
Charles Edquist 