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SWEDEN – Unlocking the Future: How can new technologies drive productivity and economic growth for everyone?

Can technology fuel economic growth while ensuring fairness for all?

According to our 2024 Voices – Citizens Speak Up! study Swedish citizens see technology as a key driver of economic progress, but they also recognise the risk of growing inequalities. This insight underscores the need to modernise infrastructure, close the digital skills gap, and foster innovation for sustainable and inclusive growth.

To tackle these pressing issues, we recently hosted a panel discussion, Unlocking the Future: How can new technologies drive productivity and economic growth for everyone? which included:

  • Adnan Dibrani, MEP, Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats
  • Joakim Wernberg, Research Director of Digitalisation & Tech Policy, Swedish Entrepreneurship Forum
  • Sara Övreby, Government Affairs & Public Policy Manager, Google
  • Moderated by: Dharmendra Khanani, COO and Chief Spokeperson, Friends of Europe

Key topics included:

  • Strengthening Europe’s technological edge: How can modernised infrastructure and forward-thinking policies position Europe as a leader in tech innovation?

Adnan Dibrani highlighted Sweden’s example, stressing that strong political ambition and investment in digital infrastructure, skilled labour, and access to resources have been crucial. He pointed out that universal access to high-speed internet, even in rural areas, was achieved as part of Sweden’s commitment to equality, suggesting that similar ambition across EU member states could position Europe more competitively against the US and China.

  • Harnessing AI for growth: What can businesses and governments do to maximise AI’s potential, while mitigating job disruption and preparing workers for change?

Joakim Wernberg emphasised that AI is set to reorganise the labour market rather than simply cause job losses. He called for significant investment in both vocational training and lifelong learning to equip workers with both technical and complementary non-technical skills. Wernberg cautioned against focusing solely on AI-specific skills, advocating instead for a broader education reform to lower barriers to re-skilling across sectors.

  • Technology and economic growth: How do we challenge negative perceptions of AI and technology to ensure they become catalysts for inclusive growth?

Sara Övreby emphasised the importance of building public trust in AI, stessing the need for responsible AI development, with clear guardrails to prevent misuse.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.