The Swedish government has been extremely proactive in establishing IT Strategy at the national level.  The Ministry of Transport and Communications in particular has been charged to create the framework for an “information” society.  These measures are deeply rooted in the Swedish culture, which fosters innovation and rewarded research and development.  More specifically, the government of Sweden appears to take great care in careful planning on information technology issues such as IT Security, Electronic Commerce, Telecommunications Innovation, and the Internet. 

The government has prioritized strategic initiatives into three major areas of development, which it considers to be the most crucial from a perspective of government policy: 

1. The legal system, 
2. Education, and 
3. The provision of information in the community at large 

In addition, the Ministry of Transport and Communications granted SEK 42 million in 1996 and 1997to 31 IT projects targeted at special new user groups to spur IT usage.  These groups included disabled persons, immigrants, small businesses, and the elderly. 

Government IT Legislative Initiatives 

In the government bill “Measures to Broaden and Develop the Use of Information Technology” passed in 1996, the government laid out a road map of key strategic initiatives for IT Infrastructure and Policy.  In this bill, the following objectives are clearly emphasized: 
 

• To actively utilize the potential of information technology in such ways as to contribute to growth and employment and to strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness. 

• To give everyone the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of information technology so that it can serve as a means for increased knowledge, democracy, and justice. 

• To utilize information technology to develop the welfar society and improve the quality of life of the country’s citizens. 

• To create broad access to information in order to promote greater participation and development of knowledge. 

One of the more interesting government initiatives is the establishment of a national network, connected to the Internet dedicated to the promotion of Swedish culture.  The project is called CultureNet Sweden.  The project began in 1997 and is funded by the Government and three research foundations, the Foundation for Knowledge and Competency Development, the Foundation Culture of the Future, and the Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation. 

CultureNet Sweden will focus upon all aspects of Swedish culture as it pertains to the new medium of the Internet and will feature E-Commerce marketplaces. 

International Iniatitives 

Sweden has also been a key players within the OECD countries and the EU in recent years in telecommunications and the Internet.  Specifically, issues of criminal liability and data security have been imporatnt, as well as the development of common EU electronic commerce standards. 

Research and Development 

Regional assistance is available to Swedish and foreign owned companies from the Swedish government.  Subsidies can be provided to companies when setting up or expanding within grant areas.  The type and amount of subsidy depends upon whether or not the location is in a temporarily subsidized area of Sweden.  Subsidies are available towards capital investment, soft investment and recruitment, and in the form of reduced social insurance taxes and transport. 

Private Sector Involvement  

As early as 1987, the Swedish Government has partnered with the private sector to launch a national information technology program for the development of modern computers, communications, and control technology.  Participants include ABB, Ericsson, Nobel Industries and Saab-Scania from the private industrial sector and from the public sector the Swedish Telecommunications Administration (now Telia), the Defense Materiel Administration, and the National Board for Technical Development. (Source: Published by the Swedish Institute) 

Y2K 

The Ministry of Finance, in cooperation with “Inter Alia”, the Federation of Swedish Inidustries, the Agency for Administrative Development, and the IT Commission has developed a Y2K compliance program.  The program has created a labelling system to prove that commercial products are Y2K compliant. Sweden  is advanced in both the public and private sectors in its treatment of Year 2000 issues.