Sweden Once Again Leads in Innovation within the EU
Yesterday, the European Commission presented its annual report on innovation in the EU, the European Innovation Scoreboard and the Regional Innovation Scoreboard. Sweden has regained its position as the strongest innovation country in the EU, after having been in second place behind Denmark since 2023. Stockholm is simultaneously the most innovative region in Europe.
“This is a strong vote of confidence in the Swedish innovation system, both nationally and regionally. It is also proof that long-term investments pay off. The Government’s research and innovation bill is one of the most comprehensive ever, and it shows. But we will not rest on our laurels. We take this as a driving force to continue prioritising fossil-free energy and investments in digitalisation that make a clear impact and strengthen Sweden’s position,” says Minister for Energy and Enterprise Ebba Busch.
“I am proud and pleased that Sweden is once again taking the lead as the EU’s top innovation nation. New, effective solutions are crucial to preparing Europe for the challenges of our time—such as strengthening our competitiveness, implementing the green transition, and building a robust defence. The Government will continue working to consolidate Sweden’s position and to make Europe an obvious place for business and innovation,” says Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz.
“Last autumn, we presented the largest research and innovation bill ever, and now we see that Sweden as an innovation nation is stronger than ever. This boosts both our competitiveness and our international collaborations,” says Minister for Upper Secondary School, Higher Education, and Research Lotta Edholm.
Sweden is particularly strong in private sector investment in innovation. Sweden also performs well at the regional level, as the only country with three regions in the top ten. Stockholm is ranked as the most innovative region in Europe. West Sweden and South Sweden are ranked ninth and tenth, respectively. Central Norrland has made progress since 2023 and is now classified as a “strong innovator.”
Sweden also ranks at the top globally for investments in intangible assets as a share of GDP, according to the annual ranking by the United Nations’ World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)—a position Sweden also held last year. The United States and France are ranked second and third, respectively.
The Regional Innovation Scoreboard is based on the EU’s regional classification. By measuring 32 performance-based national indicators and 23 regional indicators, the European Commission, member states, and regions can gain insights into strengths and weaknesses within and between their respective innovation systems. This can in turn form the basis for new measures and initiatives to strengthen innovation in the EU.
Alongside Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Finland are ranked as the most innovative countries in the EU. Across the EU as a whole, there are still clear differences in innovation capacity, although the so-called innovation gap is narrowing.
Countries in the EU’s neighbourhood are also included in the European Innovation Scoreboard. Switzerland is the leading innovation country in Europe.
Press Release from the Ministry of Climate and Enterprise, Ministry of Education
Published: 16 July 2025
Click here to read the full report here.
