2026.01.12
TechSverige and SME-D collaborate for Sweden's total defense
SME-D, the trade association for small and medium-sized companies in the Swedish defense sector, is now establishing its secretariat function within the industry and employer organization TechSverige. The collaboration strengthens the tech industry's overall contribution to Sweden's total defense - through increased collaboration, faster technology development and better conditions for innovation and delivery capacity within defense tech and security tech.
In today's security environment, it is crucial to be able to quickly move from idea to working solutions. Technology development is moving quickly – in everything from AI and cybersecurity to digital communications, infrastructure and deep tech – areas that are central to both civil and military defense. In order for new technology to be quickly translated into actual capabilities in total defense, a close connection between the defense sector and the broader tech industry is required.
The collaboration is presented during the national conference People and Defense, where SME-D and TechSverige participate in discussions about Sweden's security and total defense.
– The tech industry's solutions are becoming increasingly important for Sweden's resilience and defense capability. We must take advantage of companies' knowledge and innovative power – both as a driver for technological development and as a prerequisite for Sweden's resilience and competitiveness. Together with SME-D, we will work to ensure that new technology is put into practical use more quickly, says Åsa Zetterberg, CEO of TechSverige.
– SME companies often contribute with unique cutting-edge expertise, fast development cycles and high delivery precision. Through collaboration with TechSverige, the ecosystem within defence tech and security tech will become stronger, while we create even better conditions for more small and medium-sized companies to contribute to the development of total defence, says Andreas Nilsson, Chairman of SME-D.
The collaboration will contribute to:
- Faster technology delivery: Shorter path from need to functional and scalable technical solutions in total defense.
- Strengthened Swedish competitiveness: Improved conditions for development, verification and broader application of defense-related technology and companies based in Sweden.
- Increased long-term robustness: Stronger delivery capacity, competence supply and endurance in the technical capabilities of total defense.
- Larger and broader delivery capabilities: Ensure and meet the increased need for more suppliers to the total defense sector to contribute to new defense capabilities.
About SME-D: SME-D is a trade association for small and medium-sized service and product companies operating in the defense and security technology sector. SME-D aims to strengthen its members' competitiveness and is its members' spokesperson towards authorities and organizations related to defense.
About TechSweden: TechSverige is an industry and employer organization for all companies in the tech sector. TechSverige's mission is to work with its members to create the best possible conditions for a competitive Swedish tech industry that drives innovation and development throughout society. TechSverige brings together approximately 1,400 companies that together have nearly 100,000 employees in Sweden. These include everything from startups to large multinational companies.