The EU’s Green Deal entails great opportunities for Swedish companies that want to invest in sustainable solutions. Here, there are both commercial gains to be obtained and funds to apply for. RISE is involved in a number of projects and can help companies and the public sector to apply for funding.
The EU’s Green Deal represents a radical shift in both the focus and the distribution of funds. As we head towards a climate-neutral Europe by 2050, the EU will be investing at least EUR 100 billion over the next seven years – funds that Swedish companies and regions have a good chance of sharing.
“RISE is currently establishing a platform, in order that EU funds will benefit Sweden and Swedish industry to a significantly greater extent. One interim goal along the way relates to Swedish applications for at least SEK 1 billion during the project period,” says Patrik Klintbom, project manager for RISE’s Green Deal for Sweden.
The Green Deal is a roadmap for a sustainable economy within the EU and was introduced by Ursula von der Leyen when she took over as President of the European Commission in 2019. The goals are net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, for economic growth to have been uncoupled from resource consumption, including through a circular economy, and for no people or places to be left out.
“For Sweden, which is already well ahead in this area, this represents an enormous business potential. But there are also a lot of new things to familiarise ourselves with. One of the challenges is that regulations and directives have not yet been adapted to the sustainable growth strategy that the EU is now targeting,” Patrik Klintbom points out.
We can help identify potential approaches thanks to our broad knowledge base
Affects all economic sectors
The measures affect virtually all economic sectors, with the focus on areas such as innovative industry, clean energy, smart and sustainable mobility, sustainable agriculture and food chains, more energy-efficient buildings and the phasing out of fossil fuels.
“It is important now to identify the areas where Sweden will be playing a leading role, as well as the ones where we will be involved in driving the work but not taking the lead. Cooperation and strategic partnerships are important in this respect. Solving this requires a three-pronged approach, with academia and institutes, society and companies working closely together,” says Patrik Klintbom.
Climate contracts show the way
Areas where Sweden is at the forefront and could potentially take on a leadership role include transport, the forest and pulp industry, steel and raw material production with companies that are already investing in fossil-free steel, as well as sustainable energy supplies. In addition, Sweden has already taken on the leadership role when it comes to creating climate-neutral cities, in the form of the climate contracts that have been signed by nine Swedish cities.
“Any companies that are interested are welcome to get in touch and discuss their ideas. We can help identify potential approaches thanks to our broad knowledge base, including when it comes to research-related initiatives, by supporting the development of our customers’ innovations and by helping to apply for funding all the way to the market,” says Patrik Klintbom.
The EU’s Green Deal
- Sustainable roadmap and growth strategy to ensuring a climate-neutral EU by 2050.
- At least EUR 100 billion for sustainable investments within the framework of the EU’s budget during the period 2021-2027.
- New grants that can be applied for will be added on an ongoing basis within a number of different areas.
