Interim report January–March 2026

RISE’s financial results for the first quarter of 2026 show a positive trend compared with the previous year. Net turnover amounted to SEK 1,138 million, which is an increase of 2.0% compared with the previous year. Operating profit was SEK 18 million, resulting in an operating margin of 1.6%, which is also an increase compared with last year. Despite a turbulent global environment, we view the first quarter as a stable start to the year.

For European competitiveness

The EU is currently in the negotiation phase regarding the framework programme for research and innovation, known as FP10 or Horizon Europe 2028–2035, and the proposed new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The EU’s forthcoming framework programme is crucial to the ability of technological research institutes to help strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. It is also important to view the whole of Europe as a collaborative entity and to prioritise areas where we are already strong. In Sweden, we are at the forefront in areas such as digitalisation, life sciences and biotechnology.

Within the framework of the EU’s framework programme, the High Coast to West Coast Hydrogen Valley project, coordinated by RISE, was recently launched. The project brings together industry, research and public sector actors and demonstrates hydrogen systems on a commercial scale. Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels is more important than ever. Sweden has exceptionally good conditions for hydrogen production, with vast renewable energy resources, industrial clusters and a strong innovation system.

Advanced technology and robust infrastructure

At RISE, we are now also making a major investment in technology that is crucial for the development of high-performance and energy-efficient power electronics and constitutes a critical component in Europe’s ambition to achieve technological sovereignty in the semiconductor sector. With new advanced equipment, our ability to develop advanced solutions that contribute to digitalisation, electrification and the green transition in Sweden and Europe is strengthened.

The threat to digital systems is growing as the quantum computers of the future become a reality and risk breaking today’s encryption. But the foundations are now being laid for a quantum-secure network linking Sweden, Finland and Estonia. The infrastructure will secure data flows within government agencies and the defence sector, whilst also protecting critical functions such as energy, finance and healthcare. By establishing independent and robust connections, the region’s resilience to cyberattacks will be significantly strengthened.

National coalition for climate transition

During the first quarter, a broad public-private partnership was launched to accelerate the green transition within Swedish healthcare and life sciences. The climate transition within healthcare and life sciences requires collaboration between many different stakeholders. This stakeholder-driven initiative creates a shared, visionary force where innovation and collaboration are crucial to driving transition across the entire value chain. We are proud of the trust placed in us to coordinate this initiative.

Total defence increasingly important

Since Russia launched its war of aggression against Ukraine, preparedness and total defence have taken on greater significance for RISE’s work. The current geopolitical situation has, of course, reinforced this trend. RISE plays a vital role in Sweden’s total defence, with a particular focus on industry’s adaptability and supply resilience. RISE can support companies and public authorities so that they are equipped to be an effective part of Sweden’s preparedness. The major challenge ahead is to get a handle on data, keep pace with technological developments, and at the same time help employees develop the skills and ability to navigate and dare to act in uncertain times. We are in the midst of a major system transformation within total defence that will affect the whole of society. Here, RISE plays an incredibly important role with our interdisciplinary expertise and knowledge in both technology and change processes.

We know that the conflicts of the future will bring challenges we do not yet know. Transformative leadership and the ability to work across organisational boundaries enable us to handle new situations and new threats more quickly and effectively. In January, RISE brought together a number of leading representatives from the total defence sector for a strategic dialogue on Sweden’s capability development in security and total defence. The dialogue was organised by the Centre for Security Design & Innovation (CSDI) at RISE. In a time of geopolitical unrest, it is encouraging to see how different parties can come together in this way to generate the drive and capability needed to solve society’s challenges.