Secure innovation – the key to strong total defense
In the event of an attack on Sweden, everyone would be expected to contribute to defending the country's peace and freedom to the best of their ability. This defence capability is created by the authorities, municipalities, regions, companies and volunteers. However, according to researchers at RISE, total defence becomes truly strong in the spaces between organisations and activities, where they meet and collaborate.
Against the backdrop of experiences from the two world wars, the idea that the whole of society should be mobilised in the event of war developed in Sweden during the second half of the 20th century. Shelters were built and supplies were stockpiled, while the civilian population was trained to respond to air raids and nuclear threats.
During the 1990s, the threat to Sweden changed, prompting the dismantling of total defence, a move that was subsequently heavily criticised. Since 2014, a reconstruction process has been underway, but, as the County Administrative Boards note in Introduction to Total Defence, it is not possible to simply reinstate the old system.
– The development of a modern total defence system is based on different fundamental conditions to those that applied in the past, simply because society looks different today. For example, we now live in a digital society where much of the innovation and development occurs between organisations and businesses rather than within them, says Carl Heath, senior researcher and focus leader for digital resilience at RISE.
Great need for places for new forms of cooperation
When the concept of total defence was first established, the state and municipalities owned the majority of Sweden's important social activities. Today, however, a significant proportion is privately owned. In other words, if the state is to rebuild a functioning total defence system, it must cooperate with the business community.
– For the public and private sectors to successfully address total defence challenges together, they must be able to do so securely. While we have extensive experience in creating secure conditions for innovation within an organisation, we lack the same experience and expertise in establishing this in the space between, says Carl Heath.
– Innovation often comes at the expense of safety, and vice versa – high safety standards can inhibit innovation, adds Melinda From, Head of RISE's Inclusive Systems Innovation unit.
The development of a modern total defence system is based on different fundamental conditions to those that applied in the past, simply because society looks different today.
A place for meetings and creative working methods.
In 2025, Carl Heath and Melinda From are conducting a preliminary study to map the conditions and obstacles to creating a secure innovation environment in Karlstad municipality. A great deal of knowledge exists about what constitutes a secure environment, drawn from current security legislation and collective experience. Similarly, it is clear what an innovation environment needs to consist of. However, combining the two is tricky, says Carl Heath.
– We want a place where we can meet and work creatively, both physically and digitally.' In modern innovation offices, organisations often share ideas with each other, leading to new insights. If these insights contain sensitive information, protecting it becomes particularly important, he says.
At the location envisaged by Carl Heath, there are people who know how to drive and facilitate innovation safely. This knowledge should not remain confined to one place, but should be shared with organisations so that more safe spaces for innovation can emerge naturally.
RISE acts as a facilitator, helping organisations to establish collaborations.
There are many experts at RISE who specialise in transformation, innovation management and renewal. We have experts who excel at facilitating complex contexts, and RISE already operates a variety of test and demonstration facilities. However, we can't do this alone. We really need the involvement of other stakeholders to create a common platform for secure innovation, says Melinda From.
Sweden's total defence interests lie with NATO.
Carl Heath discusses NATO and the EU's interest in Sweden's comprehensive defence strategy, in which the contribution of everyone from the Armed Forces to businesses, authorities and citizens is vital to the country's resilience. In contrast, many NATO countries have a stronger focus on the military and less on societal mobilisation.
– The expertise in systems that the public and private sectors can develop together through joint projects is important not only in Sweden, but also in the context of the EU and NATO, says Carl Heath.
Preliminary study: A safe innovation environment in Karlstad Municipality
Karlstad is home to the headquarters of several authorities, including the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), the Swedish Psychological Defence Agency, and the Swedish National Service Administration. The Swedish Defence University also has a branch here, and Karlstad Municipality and Region Värmland have identified public safety as a strategic priority.
A preliminary study to map the conditions and obstacles for a secure innovation environment in Karlstad Municipality will begin in December 2024. Linda Larsson (S), Chair of Karlstad Municipality's Municipal Executive Board, had this to say about the initiative:
– Since Karlstad is already a centre of expertise for civil security, it is fitting that this preliminary study is investigating the possibility of setting up a centre for safe training and innovation here. It is important that the centre can be used for both civil and military purposes, enabling the public and private sectors to support each other in accelerating the reconstruction of total defence.
Innovation in total defence
Building a modern and robust total defence requires innovation in a number of areas, both technical and organisational. Here are three examples:
Cyber security and digital defence
Critical infrastructure and communication channels need to be protected from cyber attacks, disinformation and sabotage. This requires cooperation between tech companies and authorities such as FRA and the Swedish Armed Forces.
Innovation: AI-based detection systems can identify attacks in real time. Blockchain technology that can be used for secure data management and communication between critical societal operations.
Materiel supply and logistics
Access to food, medicine and defence equipment needs to be secured. This requires cooperation between the relevant manufacturing industries, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), the Swedish Food Agency and academia.
Innovation: AI can be used to identify deficiencies and optimise inventory management. In the event of import disruptions, 3D printing could be used to produce spare parts and medical equipment.
Psychological defence and countering disinformation
Society needs to be protected from propaganda and psychological influence operations. Cooperation is required between actors such as AI companies, the media and the Psychological Defence Authority.
Innovation: Tools for detecting deepfakes and disinformation. Platforms for real-time fact-checking.
Innovation management
Cybersecurity
Digitalisation
