Connecting research and industry for the betterment of Sweden

Professor Sylvia Schwaag Serger, President of Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) spoke about Technology as a Geopolitical Force.

How can Sweden make the most of advances in AI, autonomous systems, and software? This question was at the center of this year’s WASP Academia and Industry Days, held at Cirkus in Stockholm on October 13 and 14. Over two days, participants from academia and industry came together to address shared challenges and explore how technological advances can benefit Sweden.

Researchers, industry leaders, and representatives from across the innovation ecosystem gathered under the theme For the Betterment of Sweden. Discussions explored rapid technological development and Sweden’s future capabilities, with topics ranging from geopolitical developments to large language models, industrial AI, healthcare, autonomous systems, and how AI is changing organizations.

“During WASP Academia and Industry Days we bring different perspectives together and strengthen the connections between research and industry in the WASP community. Through dialogue and collaboration, we want that advances in from the program in AI, autonomous systems and software contribute to the whole of Sweden.”

— Amy Loutfi, WASP Program Director

Research and industry perspectives

The program featured speakers from leading companies and universities highlighting areas such as healthcare, large language models, and generative AI. Speakers from Sectra, SEB, Link, TRATON, Ericsson, Sferical AI, AstraZeneca, Saab and Zenseact presented examples and perspectives from different industries. Academic and research perspectives came from universities and initiatives including Uppsala University, Linköping University, Newcastle University, the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA), the research initiative SE.LLMA, and the WASP Research Arena WARA AI-TRICS.

Creating connections across sectors

The conference was also designed to create opportunities for interactions and networking. Through poster presentations, a standing table exhibition featuring companies and organizations, Speakers Corner, and structured speed networking, participants could share research, discuss common challenges, and build new connections.