A strong first half-year 2025

As Sweden's research institute with a societal mission mandated by the Swedish Parliament, continuous development and operational excellence are of utmost importance for sustainable operations in line with the needs of the surrounding world. Based on the transition we made last year, we are continuing our work on operational excellence to create new capabilities and meet this need. The results for the first half of the year, with an adjusted operating margin of 3.5 per cent, show a positive development compared with the previous year, in line with the company's targets.

RISE proposed to receive expanded societal mandate

In the final report of the inquiry into the business sector's supply security, which has now been submitted to the government, it is proposed that RISE be given an expanded public service mandate to strengthen Sweden's supply security and production conversion capacity in peacetime crisis situations, heightened preparedness and war.

RISE meets the requirements for broad technical expertise, high innovation capacity and close links to industry, and already fulfils this role to some extent in Swedish society. An expanded mission in this area will strengthen us and clearly identify RISE as an important player for other parties as well.

The fact that RISE already has an important social mission became clear when RISE was presented as Sweden's most attractive employer in 2025 in Randstad's survey. We notice that our mission – to strengthen Swedish competitiveness and contribute to a sustainable transition – is becoming increasingly important in these times of geopolitical unrest. Through our work, we contribute to stability and confidence in the future.

Collaboration for Sweden's and Europe's technological sovereignty

The transition towards reduced fossil fuel dependence and Sweden's need for security of supply are affecting the business sector and the manufacturing industry. Increased barriers to global trade, research and innovation cooperation are placing demands on greater technological sovereignty in Europe. When the EU's programme and budget for the next programme period (2028–2034) are negotiated in Brussels, we must ensure that the European research and innovation landscape is prioritised and that there is continued strong support for European collaborative research and effective European partnership models. This is a key component in strengthening the EU's competitiveness. RISE is one of the largest research institutes in Europe. Being appointed vice-chair of the EARTO collaborative organisation and member of its steering group means that RISE and Sweden will be able to influence the direction of applied research in Europe to an even greater extent.

One issue that RISE has been promoting for several years is the need for a European strategy for technology infrastructures. In the spring, the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Henna Virkkunen, visited RISE in connection with Europe's investment in AI factories. The Swedish AI factory MIMER, which RISE runs together with Linköping University, is now building up strategic capacity in artificial intelligence.

World-unique infrastructure for the vehicles of the future

During the second quarter, it was announced that RISE had been approved as a Technical service for type approvals, known as technical services, in the field of cyber security for vehicles and vehicle components. We are delighted to now be able to offer our customers this expanded support. We are also pleased with the new test facility technology launched in the second quarter, which makes it possible to achieve 99.999 per cent reliability in communication between automated vehicles. SEEL obviously plays an important role in the electrification of the automotive industry, something that was highlighted by many at EVS 38, the world's leading event for electromobility, which was held in Sweden for the first time. 

New tools for small and medium-sized enterprises

RISE has a special mission to support small and medium-sized enterprises. New in this interim report is RISE's investment in a digital training platform for professionals in the construction sector. Another example is RISE's research and development in virtual fencing technology, which has now led to an upcoming amendment to the Animal Welfare Ordinance. Virtual fencing works by keeping grazing animals within an area without physical boundaries. 

RISE's mission is important. For small businesses and large industry as well as the public sector. For Sweden and Europe. Together with our customers and partners, we work for Swedish competitiveness and a sustainable and safe society.