A strong first quarter in 2025

2025 has started significantly stronger than the corresponding period last year. The positive trend continues. We are seeing particularly strong demand for our services in calibration, testing and certification. These services enable market introduction and strengthen companies' opportunities to position themselves in a turbulent global market. In times like these, there is a great need for RISE.

Security and safety on the agenda

RISE's research and development in digitalisation, AI and cyber security is a key resource for Sweden and crucial for us to keep up with developments. We were therefore delighted to present this to Minister for Public Administration and Security Erik Slottner when he visited our cyber security test facility, Cyber Range, in February. We agree with the AI Commission's conclusion that Sweden needs an institute for security research in AI and are prepared to take on this role.

Safety is high on the agenda when it comes to batteries. The widespread electrification of society makes battery safety a more important topic than ever. March saw the world premiere of our international conference on battery safety. The Battery Safety Conference brought together hundreds of experts, researchers and companies from around the world to discuss the latest innovations, safety aspects and future challenges in the battery industry.

Support for public sector renewal

RISE continuously invests in knowledge building and networks that contribute to public sector renewal. A new initiative launched in 2024 is an AI partnership based on RISE's GDPR-compliant AI service for exploration and learning in the public sector. RISE interim report for January-March provides examples of this in a collaboration with the City of Stockholm.

The County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland is an important partner for RISE, and our collaboration is of great significance for both the public sector and industry, not least in the area of preparedness and capacity to manage societal disruptions. In January, a letter of intent was signed to strengthen this collaboration.

Investments for industrial transition

'Produktionslyftet' is a national programme aimed at strengthening industrial expertise and competitiveness, with a particular focus on sustainable transition. Since its launch in 2007, over 350 small and medium-sized enterprises have participated in the programme, which has now received SEK 15 million in funding from Saab, Scania and the Volvo Group.

Another important initiative for industrial renewal and transition is the new European CiSMA project, which aims to develop high-performance steel recycled from scrap, something that not only benefits the climate but can also reduce the EU's dependence on critical raw materials from other countries.

Access to the right skills is also important for the industry's transition. To meet the skills needs of the Swedish steel and metal industry, RISE is now running an initiative to equip small and medium-sized enterprises in Norrbotten and Västerbotten with the right skills for the future.

As also stated in the interim report, the EU has taken an important step towards a more sustainable industry by initiating a pilot study to phase out hazardous substances. We are proud that the Substitution Centre, run by RISE, has been selected to participate in this initiative.

Collaborations for sustainability

The summary for the first quarter provides several examples of collaborations to promote renewal and transition in both the business sector and the public sector. The common denominator is sustainable growth.

The interim report describes collaborations with industry, academia and the public sector, where we focus on important issues such as energy efficiency, digitalisation, food supply and circular transition.

One example is the new collaboration between RISE and Åbo Akademi University, which focuses on the energy-efficient data centres of the future and how to make them more sustainable and circular. Another is the Brewed and Renewed collaboration, which brings together an entire value chain to convert waste products into food. And together with the global network ICLEI, a guide is now being launched that shows how cities can take the lead in innovation and climate action.

Last but not least, we are proud that RISE is the first in the world to be certified according to the EU's new standard for inclusive design. Sustainability in all its dimensions is something that permeates RISE's operations and is a driving force for all our skilled employees.